Music & Tea at WAG | City Tidall: The Sophia Hunt Quartet

Emerging Artist Concert Series

The Sophia Rose Quartet

Sophia Hunt, trumpet | Nate Griffin, drums | Oscar Lubboock, piano | Alex Parsa, double bass

Jazz music is thriving among our next generation of musicians. We are delighted to present The Sophia Rose Quartet, led by Sophia, another artist emerging from the Wollongong Conservatorium jazz program and now making her mark on the Sydney jazz scene. The artists in the quartet are all studying jazz at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and are active in multiple jazz groups in Sydney.

Sophia Hunt is a proud Wiradjuri and Barkindji woman raised on Dharawal country. She has been surrounded by music since a young age, and her years at the Wollongong Conservatorium fostered a love of many genres. Sophia draws inspiration from trumpet players such as Roy Hargrove, Chet Baker and Kellin Hanas, alongside some Aussie local legends Tom Avgenicos, Miles Rooney, and Audrey Powne. She also seeks to follow in the footsteps of artists who celebrate her cultural identity, such as DOBBY (Murrawarri man), Nancy Bates (Barkindji woman), and the Stiff Gins (Nardi Simpson, Yuwaalaraay woman, and Kaleena Briggs, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman). Sophia hopes to pursue her passion for music as a full-time musician, taking each and every opportunity with grace and gratitude.

Oscar Lubboock is a multi-instrumentalist. Musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Tom Misch, and Jacob Collier have encouraged his love of harmony and groove . He is also inspired by the likes of Oscar Peterson, Robert Glasper, Kiefer, Herbie Hancock, Take 6, Cory Henry, and their music.

In his 5-piece collective Lapis, he has written and performed original jazz-influenced neo-soul with his peers, deeply engaging with the local Sydney music scene alongside like-minded groups such as Dink and Akasha. Continuing to collaborate with other music-makers around him, he looks to pursue creativity and authenticity, to understand the world, and to express that understanding musically with others.

Alex Parsa's, biggest double bass influences include Ray Brown and Christian McBride. His biggest double bass influences include Ray Brown and Christian McBride. Having been taught by Craig Scott and Phil Stack, among others, he draws inspiration in his playing from a variety of Australian musicians. Alex also performs original rock music with his band, Necko, which further demonstrates his love for all music genres. Whether it’s jazz, rock, funk or pop, Alex is ready for any musical adventure life throws at him.

The EACS at Wollongong Art Gallery is a FREE EVENT to ensure accessibility for all. If you are able, please DONATE generously to support the artists' fees.

*Also at St Jude's Bowral, June 6 at 1:15 pm