Pharos features compositions by Sophie Min

As part of the 2021 Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival, Pharos is an all-female ensemble consisting of a 6 piece horn section and 4 piece rhythm section. Formed by bassist Hannah James, Pharos features Australia’s most progressive, innovative female improvisers exploring the limits of modern big-band jazz.

Pharos has worked with a variety of renowned Australian jazz musicians like Sandy Evans, and made a name for themselves internationally, working with artists like Helen Sung (USA) and Silke Eberhardt (GER).

For their performance at the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival, Pharos showcases the work of Sophie Min – winner of SIMA’s 2020 APRA Emerging Composers Mentorship.

Sophie and her mentor, pianist, and composer Barney McAll, specifically developed an innovative body of work for Pharos to premiere at the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival.

Hannah James (Bass/Band Leader), Jodie Michael (Drums), Louise Horwood (Trumpet), Ellen Kirkwood (Trumpet), Alex Silver (Trombone), Loretta Palmeiro (Saxophones), Mariela Mulder (Saxophones), Kali Gillen (Baritone Sax), Lauren Tsamouras (Piano), Hilary Geddes (Guitar).