Chiara Minotto is a young Sydney-based composer and jazz saxophonist specialising in jazz, chamber and media composition with a strong focus on improvisation and hybrid scoring.
Textural, dynamic, and evocative, Chiara's music blurs boundaries between genres by incorporating elements from her classical piano background and her ongoing exploration of jazz composition and improvisation. Through delicate interweaving of textures and timbral combinations, she creates music across various styles and tones, all uniquely her own.
In 2024, Chiara was selected as a WIJO mentee in jazz composition, studying under Miho Hazama. Her 10-part original jazz ensemble “Mosaic” was chosen as Fine Music FM’s Jazz Artists in Residence, and received a Creative Australia grant to record their debut album “Where We Are Now”.
Chiara continues to develop her skills in large ensemble writing, with her compositions being performed by the Sydney Conservatorium, UNSW and Spectra Jazz orchestras and the SYO. “Her recent trajectory of improvement has been fabulous to witness, and I feel she is one of the exciting composers of this current generation.” Andrew Robertson.
She is currently working towards a project with SIMA and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music - conducting and organising a big band for the Sydney International Women's Jazz Festival. This project aims to highlight female composers, including herself and provide an opportunity for female/gender-diverse students at the Sydney Conservatorium.
Looking forward, Chiara remains dedicated to reshaping the landscape of big band composition through her innovative music and as a young, female voice in a male-dominated field.
Awards
2024 WIJO Jazz Composition Mentorship with Miho Hazama
2024 Fine Music Jazz Ensemble in Residence (Mosaic Jazz Collective)
2024 Awardee of Creative Australia grant to record "Where We Are Now" (Mosaic Jazz Collective) featuring multiple compositions
2024 USU Creative Awards Music Award 2nd Place for "Come Rain or Shine"
2024 CSA "Musical Innovation Award" for Outstanding Composition Student
2025 Awardee of Creative Australia grant to record "TBD" (Mosaic Jazz Collective) featuring multiple compositions