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Happily going outside the concert hall, Jo Anne Sukumaran is a bassoonist, educator, and podcast host celebrated for her distinctive approach to classical music. Fusing technical precision with a spirit of curiosity and playfulness, she has garnered recognition for her diverse and dynamic musical explorations. Her debut album, “The Night Garden” (2019), reflects both her classical training and Asian heritage, while her concert programming seamlessly blends classical, contemporary, and cross-cultural works, offering audiences vibrant and immersive experiences.

 

An ardent advocate for double reed instruments, Jo Anne has hosted the “Legends of Reed” podcast since 2018, where she conducts in-depth artist interviews that highlight and elevate the double reed community. She has performed at leading venues across Singapore and made her orchestral debut at Carnegie Hall in 2022. Known for her adventurous collaborations, she frequently partners with a wide range of instruments, including harp, percussion, piano, and both classical and electric guitars.

 

Jo Anne's programming philosophy draws inspiration from the artistry of combining colours, textures, and flavours. With a strong passion for contemporary music and improvisation, she has commissioned works such as “Ten Days at a Traffic Light” by Canadian composer Gabo Champagne, and “little islands” for bassoon and electronics by Avik Chari, which she premiered at the 2023 IDRS Conference in Bangkok. Through her performances, commissions, and collaborations, Jo Anne continues to push the boundaries of classical music, bringing fresh and innovative sounds to audiences worldwide. 

Jo Anne’s musical journey took an unexpected turn at a young age. Initially set on mastering the cello, a pivotal audition for the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO) changed everything. The conductor saw potential in her and directed her toward the bassoon, setting the stage for a remarkable career. At just 12 years old, she began private lessons under Zhang Jin Min, securing a full SNYO scholarship. She was an active member of the orchestra until the age of 19, before continuing her studies at the Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana in Switzerland with Gabor Meszaros. Her technical skill and unique playing style flourished further through transformative masterclasses that would shape her future.

 

In 2017, with the endorsement and guidance of solo bassoonist Bram van Sambeek, Jo Anne achieved a lifelong dream: recording her debut solo album, "The Night Garden". This album marks her emergence as an independent artist, offering a captivating musical exploration of a metaphorical garden—an immersive space for the soul and mind. During the global pandemic, Jo Anne continued to innovate, conceptualizing and releasing the two-part digital concert series, "Letters to Mozart" (2020), an interdisciplinary tribute to the life and music of the iconic composer.

 

A passionate educator, Jo Anne has dedicated herself to mentoring the next generation of musicians. She has coached students for the Singapore Youth Festival Band competitions, auditions, and concerts. As Adjunct Faculty, she has taught at institutions such as Republic Polytechnic, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, and SIM University—University at Buffalo Singapore. She will return as Adjunct Faculty at University at Buffalo Singapore in Spring 2025.

 

Jo Anne’s commitment to using music as a platform for social change is evident in her support for impactful causes. In 2012, she performed with the Impossible Orchestra in Melbourne, raising awareness for unpaid carers in Australia. Invited by conductor Brett Kelly, she performed pro bono alongside Australian musicians, with the performance featured in a documentary by Aaron Wilson. Jo Anne also supported the Save the Bassoon campaign finale concert in Amsterdam (2016), where she performed live on Dutch TV for the "Holland Festival 2016". With an unwavering dedication to both her craft and her community, Jo Anne continues to inspire and push boundaries in the world of music.

Edited Dec 2024

Supporters:

Dr. Gerber-ten Bosch Foundation (Zürich)

The National Arts Council of Singapore

The Arts Fund, Singapore

Michelle & Richard Chen, in association with The Chenter Foundation & Licha Stelaus Productions

The Lucy & Stephen Maxym Endowment, The Banff Centre

Trailblazers Foundation Singapore

VCHPresents

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