We are thrilled to announce the recipients of this year’s coveted Clarence Jazz Festival Scholarships, and this year for the first time, four new scholarships have been awarded.
The scholars, all in their final year of college, were selected from a strong field of candidates for the 15th iteration of the annual Scholarship Program, which is an integral component of the annual Clarence Jazz Festival and represents a significant investment in emerging jazz musicians by the council.
The recipients of the 2025 Clarence Jazz Festival Scholarship are Orlaith Badger, from Elizabeth College on Trumpet, Xavier Stanford, from Rosny College on drums, Jamie Walton, a vocalist from Hobart College, and Ruben Beretta-Grande from Elizabeth College on guitar.
Clarence City Council Mayor Councillor Brendan Blomeley said that the Clarence Jazz Festival Scholarship Program is one of the key pillars of the annual festival.
“Clarence City Council is immensely proud of this program, which has been an invaluable launchpad for many of Tasmania’s best local jazz artists,” he said.
“This year, due to the incredibly high standard of applications, I am thrilled to announce that we are awarding four scholarships instead of the usual three.
“This demonstrates both the strength of the local jazz scene and reaffirms Clarence City Council’s commitment to supporting and fostering young artists.’’
Clarence Jazz Festival Scholarship recipients receive a host of exclusive benefits, including one-on-one mentorship with powerhouse, Katy Raucher, plus five tuition sessions with Tasmanian jazz gurus, a masterclass series including sessions with the Clarence Jazz Festival Ambassador, and performance opportunities at Swinging Christmas 2024, the Clarence Jazz Festival Big Day, and the Closing Night party.
The 2025 Clarence Jazz Festival will run for four days, 20 February – 23 February 2025 on Hobart’s Eastern Shore, comprising of both free and paid events.
Full details are available on the Clarence Arts and Events website.