Unladylike Big Band
ABOUT THE SHOW
Queensland Stories: The Dying Art of Discourse is a major new work by internationally recognised Australian composer and saxophonist Rafael Karlen, created in collaboration with Brisbane’s Unladylike Big Band.
Exploring themes of discourse, identity and contemporary society through a distinctly Queensland lens, the work brings together Karlen’s compositional voice with the individual musical voices of this dynamic ensemble of women and gender-diverse jazz musicians.
Developed collaboratively through workshops and rehearsals, the music combines composed material with improvisation and open sections shaped by the ensemble itself.
Premiering at the 2026 Brisbane International Jazz Festival, the concert celebrates new Australian music, collaboration and the extraordinary depth of Queensland’s contemporary jazz community.
The evening opens with a special performance by the Un-Young-Ladylike Big Band, featuring the next generation of female and gender-diverse jazz musicians.
This project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Unladylike Big Band is Queensland’s premier all-women and gender-diverse big band, dedicated to showcasing, encouraging and empowering underrepresented voices in jazz.
The 17-piece ensemble brings together some of Queensland’s leading jazz musicians and creates opportunities for women and gender-diverse artists to perform, collaborate, lead and be heard. Inspired by generations of women who forged paths in jazz before them, Unladylike performs music written and arranged by women from across jazz history and the contemporary Australian scene.
For Queensland Stories: The Dying Art of Discourse, Unladylike Big Band collaborates with internationally recognised Australian composer and saxophonist Dr Rafael Karlen on the creation and world premiere of a major new work. Developed through a collaborative creative process, the project combines Karlen’s compositional voice with the individual musical voices of the ensemble.
Led by founder and director Cassie Whitehead, Unladylike champions greater visibility, representation and opportunity for women and gender-diverse musicians while celebrating the exceptional musicians already shaping Queensland’s jazz community and those who will follow them.
PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES
VENUE
TICKETS
DURATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Suitable for All ages
All children are permitted but must hold a valid ticket
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Unladylike Big Band is Queensland’s premier all-women and gender-diverse big band, dedicated to showcasing, encouraging and empowering underrepresented voices in jazz.
The 17-piece ensemble brings together some of Queensland’s leading jazz musicians and creates opportunities for women and gender-diverse artists to perform, collaborate, lead and be heard. Inspired by generations of women who forged paths in jazz before them, Unladylike performs music written and arranged by women from across jazz history and the contemporary Australian scene.
For Queensland Stories: The Dying Art of Discourse, Unladylike Big Band collaborates with internationally recognised Australian composer and saxophonist Dr Rafael Karlen on the creation and world premiere of a major new work. Developed through a collaborative creative process, the project combines Karlen’s compositional voice with the individual musical voices of the ensemble.
Led by founder and director Cassie Whitehead, Unladylike champions greater visibility, representation and opportunity for women and gender-diverse musicians while celebrating the exceptional musicians already shaping Queensland’s jazz community and those who will follow them.
