Belle Chen + Underwards

Belle Chen

Fresh from a celebrated debut at the EFG London Jazz Festival, pianist and composer Belle Chen brings her acclaimed solo performance Ravel In The Forest to the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival. Described by Brian Eno as “original and provocative…”, Chen creates immersive musical worlds that blur the boundaries between classical, jazz and electronic music.

Now based in London, Chen’s musical journey began between Taiwan and Australia, where a transient childhood immersed her in a multitude of Eastern and Western influences. This experience fostered a lifelong exploration of identity and belonging, themes that quietly underpin her work and contribute to the distinctive sense of wonder, reflection and discovery found throughout her music.

Drawing inspiration from the natural world, Ravel In The Forest leads listeners through imagined landscapes of ancient woodland, tropical canopies and hidden clearings. Moving seamlessly between piano, keyboards and synths, Chen combines classical virtuosity with adventurous improvisation, weaving together influences from Maurice Ravel, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Joe Hisaishi into a deeply personal and cinematic sound.

Praised for her quirky yet tender approach to musical storytelling, Chen’s performances have captivated audiences at venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Kings Place and Melbourne Recital Centre. For this intimate solo performance, she will present music from her celebrated new album alongside new material, offering a rare opportunity to experience one of contemporary music’s most distinctive and imaginative voices.

Underwards

Evoking places and experiences with nature through a rich blend of jazz, experimental and art music, Underwards is led by award-winning composer and trumpeter Ellen Kirkwood. Underwards’ music is interspersed with reflective wondering, playful animation and unexpected twists. Through collaborative interpretation and impactful solo offerings from this group of versatile, imaginative and seasoned performers, stories are told.

Underwards’ newest works form part of Kirkwood’s PhD portfolio. Her research explores respectful Indigenous-informed immersive connection with and learning from Country, and ways of processing these experiences through creative practice. At this special performance for SIWJF, Underwards will launch their latest single, ‘Cormorant’s Dive’ which reflects upon time and colonial environmental impact at Ganguddy, in Wiradyuri Country.