News

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance is delighted to announce the appointment of Hans Koller as the new Head of Jazz.

Hans Koller takes up his post on September 1st. He replaces Simon Purcell, who has stepped down as head of department but will continue to teach at Trinity Laban.

Pianist, trombonist, composer and arranger Hans Koller was born in Germany and studied composition and ethnomusicology in the UK. He emerged as a major force in the UK jazz scene with his 2002 album New Memories, hailed by John Fordham in the Guardian as “the most expansive, expressive and exciting new jazz orchestral sound to have emerged in this country since the late-lamented Loose Tubes”. Since then he has pursued twin careers as performer – collaborating with many of the world’s leading jazz musicians – and educator, as Senior Lecturer in Jazz at Birmingham Conservatoire.

Hans commented:

“I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to join Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. I can’t wait to join one of the best jazz departments in the world: an endlessly inspiring centre of creativity and innovation in contemporary jazz, with a brilliant team of teachers. Trinity Laban has an extraordinary track record of nurturing, transforming and promoting young talent, and I’m excited to be carrying on the work of Simon Purcell, to help the next generation of jazz musicians find their own voice, and shape the music of the future”     

Dr Claire Mera-Nelson, Director of Music at Trinity Laban, praised Simon Purcell’s contribution and welcomed Hans Koller:

“Under Simon Purcell’s outstanding leadership over the past twelve years, the jazz department at Trinity Laban has firmly established itself as a crucible of exceptional talent. The many successes of our current students and recent alumni alike are a real testament to Simon’s creativity and passion as an educator.

I’m delighted to welcome Hans Koller to succeed Simon as Head of Jazz at Trinity Laban. As an experienced jazz composer, pianist and educator within the conservatoire sector, Hans brings a deep understanding of what young jazz musicians need in order to develop their individual voice and creativity. I know that he will give Trinity Laban students the very best chance of future success.”

Applications are now open to study jazz at Trinity Laban in September 2018. For more information see trinitylaban.ac.uk/jazz