Kristin Berardi & Florian Ross w/ strings
6pm Music Workshop
Kristin Berardi vocals
Florian Ross piano & composer
Phil Slater trumpet
Brett Hirst contrabass
Ben Vanderwal drums & cymbals
string quartet led by Michele O'Young
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Lush, cinematic jazz chamber vibes – Florian Ross’s rich harmonic language expressed by a collaboration of Sydney’s leading strings and Australia’s leading jazz musicians. modern jazz meets contemporary classical, with sweeping lines and intimate moments.
Deep lyricism and beauty – Berardi’s pristine voice floating through arrangements of one of the worlds best jazz composers with clarity and exquisite blend with strings
Improvisation alongside elegance – expect spontaneous jazz phrasing and subtle rhythmic play, framed by film-score-like orchestrations
European sophistication with soul – Ross’s compositional depth and Berardi’s expressive creating music that’s refined, reflective, and delicately powerful
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Kristin Berardi is an internationally acclaimed Australian jazz vocalist, composer and educator, celebrated for her expressive voice, fearless improvisation and wide-ranging collaborations.
Originally from Queensland, she was long regarded as one of Australia’s first calls in jazz performance and education before relocating to Switzerland in 2021. She is now based in Lucerne, where she teaches at the Hochschule Luzern – Music (HSLU).
Working across jazz, contemporary and experimental music, Berardi brings depth, curiosity and emotional clarity to everything she performs. She has collaborated with leading artists including Kenny Werner, Ingrid Jensen, Dan Tepfer, Jerome Jennings, Florian Ross, Mike Nock, Katie Noonan, Barney McAll and Julien Wilson.
Now connecting with new audiences across Europe and beyond, Kristin Berardi continues to shape a distinctive voice at the intersection of lyricism, innovation and improvisation.
Florian Ross is a German composer, pianist and musical explorer whose work moves fluidly between modern jazz, contemporary classical and improvisation.
Educated in Cologne, London and New York, Ross has developed a distinctive voice marked by rich harmony, rhythmic invention and cinematic lyricism. His projects range from intimate chamber jazz to large ensemble writing, always balancing structure with spontaneity.
With an international career spanning Europe, the US and Australia, Florian Ross creates music that is adventurous, elegant and emotionally direct — where deep composition meets fearless improvisation.
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“her voice is integrated beautifully within the overall ensemble… Berardi is neither a token guest nor a diva to be accompanied.” — Jazz Journal review of Swallows & Swans
“The music … sits very comfortably somewhere between tradition and innovation, having something of a sound of its own.” — Jazz Journal
“Kristin Berardi’s clear, pure voice and excellent pitch are showcased … interpreted with great reverence but perfect modernity.” — Arts Fuse
Ross’s & Berardi previous project Swallows & Swans places “beautiful voice music with lyrics from the late 19th century” alongside Ross’s eclectic compositions, creating “an eclectic mix of melancholia and sheer beauty.” — All About Jazz
additional event info
Festival Pass Holders: this is a premium event and is expected to reach venue capacity. advance queuing may be necessary to guarantee a seat
Non-Festival Pass Holders: there are a limited number of allocated seats available to purchase for this event