Alex Hitchcock wins 2018 Peter Whittingham Jazz Award

Help Musicians UK (HMUK) has announced Alex Hitchcock as the winner of the prestigious Peter Whittingham Jazz Award 2018.

Now in its 28^th year, the Peter Whittingham Jazz Award offers up to £5,000 for an emerging jazz musician or group to undertake a creative project of their choice that will support their professional development. The award can fund recording, filming, touring, performances, mentoring, collaboration and promotion.

London-born saxophonist and composer Alex Hitchcock – who received the full £5,000 award – has been winning fans around the world for several years, having performed at festivals across Europe including Glastonbury and North Sea Jazz in the Netherlands. This year he released his quintet’s debut EP and completed a 15-date nationwide tour followed by a sold-out launch at Pizza Express Jazz Club in London. His talents have been recognised by a wealth of respected outlets, including BBC Radio 3 and JazzFM, while larger ensemble work includes the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at the O2 Arena, the BBC Big Band and the Laurence Cottle Big Band.

Trumpeter Sheila Maurice-Grey – a member of 2016 CMF Artists Nérija – also received a £2,000 development award.

Read the full article on the Help Musicians UK website