Meet the Finalists for the Toronto Arts Foundation’s 2024 Breakthrough Jazz Artist Award
By Jonsaba Jabbi2024/06/24
Danae Olano, Sanah Kadoura, Virginia Macdonald
Danae Olano, Sanah Kodoura and Virgina Macdonald are this year’s finalists for the 2024 Breakthrough Jazz Award presented by the Toronto Arts Foundation.
Previously named the Emerging Jazz Artist Award, the Breakthrough Jazz Award is a $10,000 cash prize that honours an outstanding Toronto-based jazz artist with two to seven years experience in the field and musicians who play jazz or jazz-influenced music.
The assessment panel for the Breakthrough Jazz Artist Award includes Ernesto Cervini, Garvia Bailey, TD Toronto Jazz Festival Artistic Director Joshua Grossman, Shakura S’Aida and Dani Elwell.
The winner will be announced on June 26 during TD Toronto Jazz Festival.
Danae Olano
Grammy-nominated, Juno award-winning Danae Olano was born and raised in Havana, Cuba, being classically trained in music since the age of 7. She has recorded and toured internationally as a founding member of Jane Bunnett & Maqueque, an all female jazz band that was nominated for a Grammy for Best Latin Jazz album in 2017…and won a Juno award for Best Group Jazz Album of the Year in 2014 for their debut album Jane Bunnett & Maqueque.
She has shared the stage with musicians such as OKAN, Hilario Duran, Booker T. Jones and Marta Elena, just to name a few. Her debut album, Children’s Corner, was released earlier this year and co-produced by Hilario Duran.
Danae Olano - La Comparsa
Sanah Kadoura
Sanah Kadoura’s music has been described as “modern jazz with hints of neo-soul with influences from Kadoura’s home country of Lebanon.” The Juno-nominated drummer, composer, educator and producer has shared the stage with Kirk Lighstey, Jon Batiste, Pat Bianchi, Jazzmeia Horn and more.
Sanah Kadoura released her sophomore album Duality in March and recently opened up for Lizz Wright at Koerner Hall this past April.
Sanah Kadoura Drum Solo at Nickle Theater
Virginia Macdonald
Canadian jazz titan Mike Downes describes Virginia Macdonald as a “powerful new voice in the Canadian scene.” Virginia has been playing the clarinet since age 7 and has performed in several Canadian and International jazz festivals. She is also a member of the Canadian Jazz Collective, a seven-piece ensemble featuring established Canadian jazz musicians. They recently released their sophomore album, Live at Le Vauban, in April.
Virginia was one of the featured artists last August at the JAZZ.FM91 studios for our 2023 Discover Women in Jazz Concert Series!
Virginia Macdonald Live at JAZZ.FM91 (Discover Women in Jazz 2023)
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