Callum Allardice

Callum Allardice is an award-winning jazz guitarist and composer based in Wellington, New Zealand. Born and raised in Motueka, he began his music career at 15, performing with his own jazz group. Allardice has received multiple accolades, including three APRA Best Jazz Composition awards for his works "Sons of Thunder" (2016), "Deep Thought" (2017), and "Chungin" (2019). In 2022, he was named the inaugural jazz composer-in-residence at Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music.

Allardice's music blends cinematic composition with dynamic jazz quartet interaction. His latest album, "Elementa," released in January 2025, showcases his distinctive style featuring folksy melodies, evocative harmonies, and rhythmic energy. He also leads the Cinematic Light Orchestra, a larger ensemble project that incorporates strings. Allardice frequently collaborates with musicians Luke Sweeting, Tom Botting, and Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa, and is a member of the groups The Jac and Antipodes.

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