It was very nice to be asked to write music for my brother Sai Karlen's installation at the Museum of Brisbane in Queensland. His work explore play and explores the relationship of play between in the digital and physical world and looks amazing!
https://www.museumofbrisbane.com.au/whats-on/play-moves/
In January pianist Steve Barry, bassist Hannah James and I went into the ABC studio in Sydney to record our commissioned works which explor the changing histories and roles of our National Parks. We have been preparing for this for a while so it was very exciting to final get to track it.
Thanks to ABC for the opportunity!
I'm very happy to have received another lovely Album review, this time in the UK Jazz Journal
I particularly like the quote below. Woohoo.
'If illustration were needed of how music so often speaks more eloquently than words, it would be hard to beat Australian saxophonist and composer Rafael Karlen’s new album: the words sung by Kristin Berardi often segue into expressive vocalese that tells the listener as much if not more than the narrative.' - Nigel Jarrett
https://jazzjournal.co.uk/2022/12/20/rafael-karlen-equally-true/
I'm very pleased to have received a lovely review (in German!) from jazzhalo
Here's the link if you would like to brush up on your German.
https://www.jazzhalo.be/reviews/cdlpk7-reviews/r/rafael-karlen-quintet-equally-true/
Thanks for the great quote!
'Above all, contrary to the other varieties of saxophonists in jazz, Rafael Karlen does not act in a blatant manner, but brings out the lyrical. Truly a feast for the ears!'
I'm very excited to be starting a National Tour next week with some incredible musicians to launch a new Single- Again, As Always. If you're in South East Queensland please come along to the Brisbane or Tamborine Mountain Shows.
The band features acclaimed vocalist Jo Lawry, pianist Matt McMahon, bassist Brett Hirst, and drummer James Waples. Woohoo.
Friday September 2
JMI Live in Brisbane
10 Exhibition St, Bowen Hills
8-10:00PM
https://events.humanitix.com/the-rafael-karlen-quintet-featuring-jo-lawry
I will also be taking a workshop open to the Public at JMI on Friday between 2-4pm.
Saturday September 3
The North Stores
46 Main St, Tamborine Mountain
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rafael-karlen-quintet-featuring-jo-lawry-tickets-407400003377
On August 19, the wonderful pianist Andrea Keller and exciting The Partridge String Quartet will play new pieces alongside my earlier works from my album The Sweetness of Things Half-Remembered at the Melbourne Recital Centre- I'm very excited! We will premiere three new pieces alongside some Chamber Jazz hits.
To fit in character limits it's billed as The Sweetness of Strings (which is also true).
Tickets and more information can be found here.
www.melbournerecital.com.au/events/2022/rafael-karlen-the-sweetness-of-strings
and the Facebook Event
I’m thrilled and honoured to have received the APRA Professional Development Award in the Jazz Category! It’s going to be great working on some new projects and getting lessons with a few of my heroes. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists.Thanks APRA/AMCOS!
I am very excited to have the wonderful Australian Voices and Camerata-Queensland's Chamber Orchestra premiere my new 60-minute work for choir and string ensemble. This work features lyrics by Pearly Black and is inspired by recent events in Hasankeyf, an ancient city in Turkey which has recently been flooded for a controversial dam, washing away 12,000 years of history. Sinking Cities explores erasing histories, as well as themes of loss, modernisation, short term gains, and the replacement of traditional lifestyles.
The world premiere of Sinking Cities will be live streamed exclusively via the Australian Digital Concert Hall.
Sinking Cities is supported by Arts Queensland’s First Night Showcase – Judith Wright Arts Centre Fund, Australia Council, and Phonographic Performance Company of Australia.
More information and tickets can be found through the link below:
https://camerata.net.au/performances/sinking-cities/
I'm thrilled to have been nominated for an ARIA with the album Haven with Kristin Berardi, Sean Foran, Pascal Schumacher and I! Woohoo.
There is some great music on this list. Congratulations to all the nominees.
It was nice to chat with Nathan Henshaw for an interview on the Sydney Saxophone Network Q&A Series.
Here is a link to us talking about music for an hour or so!
Performance with Ed Kuepper, The Aints! Album Launch, The Triffid, October 27
$20 or $15 concession