Young Monk: International Edition

Young Monk: International Edition feat. Joey Alexander and Skylar Tang

From New York’s iconic Jazz at Lincoln Center comes Young Monk, an acclaimed project celebrating the enduring music of jazz visionary Thelonious Monk through the voices of a new generation of improvisers.

A pianist, composer and one of the architects of modern jazz, Monk transformed the art-form through his distinctive compositions, unconventional harmonies and singular improvisational voice, creating works that remain among the most influential in the jazz canon.

This special edition of Young Monk brings together a hand-picked international ensemble led by GRAMMY-nominated pianist Joey Alexander as Musical Director. Since bursting onto the global stage as a young prodigy, Alexander has become one of the most celebrated pianists of his generation, performing at Carnegie Hall, the Apollo Theater, the White House and major jazz festivals worldwide.

Joining Alexander is trumpeter Skylar Tang, an exciting new voice on the New York jazz scene who has recently recorded and performed with artists including Joshua Redman, Wynton Marsalis and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Together with Melbourne-based musicians Toby Barrett (saxophone), Lily Appelt (bass) and Ebs Daramola (drums), the ensemble recast Monk's timeless compositions with energy, imagination and deep respect for one of jazz's most influential innovators.

Co-curated with Jazz at Lincoln Center 

Explore our full Melbourne International Jazz Festival Program at Bunjil Place