Nexas Quintet, our 2025 Artists in Residence (classical)

Nexas is a quintet that aims to connect in a meaningful way with the 2MBS Fine Music Sydney audience base to continue to share their music and bring awareness of the beauty of their medium to a wider audience. Sharing with the wider community the incredible capacity of the saxophone and the joy of chamber music has been one of Nexas’ focuses for many years and they see the Artist in Residence program as an opportunity to spread this message

It will also provide them an opportunity to promote the release of their upcoming album: George Gershwin – Music for Saxophone Quartets (Da Vinci) which showcases iconic works reimagined for the saxophone quartet.

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Meet Liz Player, our 2025 Artist in Residence (jazz)

The 2MBS Fine Music Sydney Artist in Residence program is designed to support Sydney jazz ensembles with active promotion and provide extensive rehearsal opportunities. This year’s award goes to a Liz Player, an up-and-coming, Sydney-based Jazz vocalist pushing the boundaries of creativity, entertainment and storytelling.

Emerging from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Liz has been mentored by jazz greats such as Judy Bailey, Kevin Hunt and Craig Scott. As such, she’s honed a sound that evokes the vocal masters of the past and the genre-pushing artists of today whilst always centring audience experience. 
With her first live album released in 2023, Liz has showcased her craft across multiple sold-out headline shows and on some of the largest stages in Australia, including Qudos Bank Arena and the ICC.

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2MBS Artists in Residence Program

About the Artists in Residence Program

The Artists in Residence Program is a unique 12-month residency that helps Sydney-based ensembles build a greater professional profile and audience. The residency is offered annually to one classical music ensemble and one Jazz ensemble.

Established in 2014, past Artists in Residence include the Omega Ensemble, Acacia Quartet, The Streeton Trio, The Marais Project, Elysian Fields, The Michael Griffin Sextet, States of Chaos, the Sydney Cello Quartet and Anoesis.

Value

Valued at $10,000 (with no cash component), the 2025 Artists in Residence will receive:

  • Broadcast opportunities, including interviews and CD of the Week opportunities
  • $10,000 promotional credit to be used for marketing activities on 2MBS Fine Music Sydney’s on-air and online marketing channels.
  • Access to the Fine Music Founders’ Studio for rehearsals

Eligibility

Volunteers and Staff of 2MBS Fine Music Sydney are not eligible to apply for the residency.

Applicants must:

  • Be based in Sydney
  • Be in a classical music or jazz ensemble with two or more members

Selection Criteria

The Artists in Residence Program is not a performance competition and will be awarded to the applicant who best meets the following criteria:

  1. The applicant has actively demonstrated an interest, commitment and the potential for a viable career in the performance or composition of classical or jazz music.
  2. The applicant has identified a detailed project or activity with the potential to significantly enhance the ensemble’s career.
  3. The applicant has effectively demonstrated how the ensemble will utilise the sponsorship and broadcasting opportunities component of the Artists in Residence Program.
  4. The applicant has effectively demonstrated how the ensemble will utilise access to the Fine Music Founders’ Studio as a rehearsal or recording (at their own expense) space.

Application Guidelines

Applications closed on 30 November 2024. Applicants must complete and submit all materials using the online entry form. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

The applicant must sign an agreement with 2MBS Fine Music Sydney acknowledging and accepting the Terms and Conditions governing the Artists in Residence Program.
Provide details about the Ensemble and any project or activity with the potential to significantly enhance the ensemble’s career.

Provide material (documentation, recordings, reviews, references etc.) to support application

If selected as a finalist, the Ensemble may be invited to a follow-up interview or audition.