ANOTHER WIN FOR TORQUAY’S CALLUM WATSON

Torquay jazz man Callum Watson has won the Geelong Youth Award for Arts and Music, with his impact on international and local audiences landing him the prestigious recognition.

Presented by the City of Greater Geelong, the awards celebrate the positive influence young people aged between 12 and 25 have made in Greater Geelong across areas including social justice, care, sport and the arts.

The young composer, who founded Geelong Jazz Soirées and represented Australia at the 25th International Young Composers Meeting in the Netherlands within the space of a month, said the win has inspired him to “keep going”.

“It’s really wonderful to get this acknowledgement. It really helps crystallise the work I am doing in the arts is worthwhile and having an impact,” he said.

“I imagine the Arts and Music category which I won would have been incredibly competitive, with so many deserving artists across the region – but that’s the wonderful thing about these awards. There are so many amazing young people to celebrate.”

Callum’s one of seven award winners to receive a trophy, as well as $500 in prize money. The recipients were chosen by the COGG’s Youth Council.

“The prize money will go towards developing Geelong Jazz Soirées, and more importantly, making the events as accessible to the community as possible,” Callum said.

“I’m working hard to cultivate a venue that is deal for jazz with great cheeses, wine, and amazing music. The Geelong jazz scene deserves nothing less. This money will help a long way with this planning.”

He also said the response to Geelong Jazz Soirées – a monthly jazz event at Black Hatt – has been “very unexpected”.

“From the very first performance in March, we have had really strong crowds of people passionate about jazz and who are keen to see it flourish in Geelong,” he said.

“It is notoriously difficult to sustain professional music events in Geelong as there is such a big culture of free music across Geelong and the Surf Coast.

“I’m very grateful audiences are seeing the value in this event and are willing to pay professional jazz musicians and build the region’s culture.”

Over the next six months, Callum will work on a new chamber suite of works which will be premiered early next year. He is currently collaborating with Melbourne Fringe Festival (September 12-29).

To keep up to date with Callum’s projects, visit callumwatson.com.au or facebook.com/callumwatsonofficial.