The inaugural Jackie Orszaczky Music Lecture, in conjunction with APRA AMCOS, will be held at The Basement in Sydney on Tuesday 10th May.

Jackie Orszaczky – a Hungarian Australian bassist, bandleader and composer based in Sydney – had an enduring influence upon the musicians around him and it’s from these peers and players’ desire to honour Jackie’s memory that the concept for this lecture and concert was born.

In this special event the late composer/performer’s work, musical ideas and philosophy will be reflected and celebrated. It will create a focus for his many colleagues in music, his audience, friends and family to remember him and his work. It’s hoped that this will be an annual event.

The lecture will be followed by a concert of Jackie’s music by members of his bands.

The night will perpetuate the legacy of a great Australian musician whose enormous influence over 30 years is not well known well to the general public. Jackie died in 2008.

The first guest lecturer will be Lucky Oceans– performer, composer, ABC Radio National broadcaster (The Daily Planet), pedal steel virtuoso, two-time Grammy award winner and founding member of legendary US band, Asleep at the Wheel.

“In the spirit of Jackie’s explorations, I plan to speak of unusual musical formulae, musical ecosystems and about finding your own musical voice and strategies to stay true to that voice.” – Lucky Oceans

The concert after the lecture will include Dave Symes (Boy & Bear) on bass, drummer Hamish Stuart (Lucy Thorne, Ian Moss, etc), and trombonist James Greening (The Catholics, The Umbrellas etc), legendary guitarist Arne Hanna (Max Q, many Sydney African, Cuban, Brazilian bands etc), and saxophonist Andrew Robson, alongside Jack’s partner, vocalist and songwriter Tina Harrod. They will perform a set of Orszaczky penned songs and instrumental pieces.

In conjunction The Jackie Orszaczky Composition Competition will be conducted in the weeks leading up to the lecture – open to all APRA members. Writers are to compose a piece in the spirit of Jackie’s music and submit an MP3. The winner will be selected by the members of the Orszaczky band. There is a cash prize of $2,000.00 and the winner will be announced on the night.

“Jackie Orszaczky was a phenomenal songwriter, player and band leader who had a huge impact on Australia’s music community. He was an APRA member for 32 years, and inspired musicians of all ages. APRA AMCOS is proud to honour his legacy with The Jackie Orszaczky Composition Competition.” – Dean Ormston, APRA AMCOS Head of Member Services