DEAN KALAITZIDIS QUARTET – Debut
Sunday, May 17, 2026 @ 7:30 pm
Doors open at 7:00 pm
Dean Kalaitzidis is an emerging Melbourne/Naarm saxophonist and composer who takes inspiration directly from the greats of contemporary Australian Jazz, coming from the sounds and compositional styles of such greats as Julien Wilson, Bernie McGann, Andrea Keller, Barney McAll, and Allan Browne, amongst others. A graduate of the Melbourne Conservatorium, last year he released a highly ambitious and well-received double LP album, Slatland, featuring an octet (which including violin and cello). He recorded his new quartet, comprising Daniel Waddingham (Guitar and Effects), Isaac Gunnoo (double bass), and Kyrie Anderson (drums), last year after composing a second album under the mentorship of Andrea Keller. Kalaitzidis returns to the MJC Sunday slot to bring you some snippets from his upcoming release, inspired by the music of the Wayne Shorter quartet and the compositional style of Andrea Keller.
The Melbourne Jazz Co-operative:
The Melbourne Jazz Co-operative is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting original live jazz performance by established and emerging artists in Melbourne.
Since 1983 our objectives have been to increase the exposure of contemporary jazz performance by making it accessible to audiences, and to provide award waged performance opportunities for emerging and established artists.
In addition to support derived from member contributions, the MJC is assisted by the Victorian Government, through Creative Victoria, via its Arts Development Programs. MJC was assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body from 1983-2017 inclusive, and was delighted to receive Australia Council funding of $60,000 for our 2019 program.
The MJC received $40,000 from the Australia Council over the 2021/2022 Financial Year, and was pleased to received a grant of $75,341 from Creative Australia (with Music Australia contribution) for our 2025 Annual Program.
Our sold-out 40th Anniversary Concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre in May 2023 was supported by a $20,000 grant from Creative Victoria’s Creative Projects program.