York University’s Noam Lemish Nominated for 2024 JUNO Award in Jazz Category
York University’s Noam Lemish, a Professor of Jazz Studies, has earned a nomination for the upcoming 2024 JUNO Awards in the Jazz Album of the Year (Solo) category for his most recent album. The announcement was made on February 6 at CBC Studios in Toronto, marking a significant achievement for both Lemish and the Department of Music.
Lemish’s nominated album, titled “Twelve”, is a testament to his musical expertise and innovative approach to jazz. The album showcases a collection of his original compositions, performed by a chamber-sized jazz orchestra featuring some of Canada’s most talented jazz musicians. The ensemble boasts a strong representation from York University’s Department of Music, including several faculty members and alums from the Department of Music. Among the talented musicians contributing to the project are faculty members Kelly Jefferson and Kevin Turcotte, and York alumni Mike Murley, Michael Davidson, Justin Gray, and Derek Gray. This collaboration emphasizes the calibre of musical talent within the department and the vibrant and supportive environment that characterizes York University’s music community.
A highlight of the album, “Beethoven’s 7th Visit to Romania,” features a choir comprised of Department of Music students at the time of recording. Some of these individuals are current students, while others have since graduated. This is a prime example of the valuable opportunities for personal and artistic development students receive at the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) and in the Department of Music.
Reflecting on the nomination, Lemish expressed, “It’s a great honour to be nominated for a Juno. I really appreciate the recognition that this nomination brings not only to my music as a pianist and a composer, but really to the collective efforts of everyone that was involved in making this project come to life. That includes all the amazing musicians that formed my jazz orchestra and the efforts of album co-producer and musical director Terry Promane, recording and mixing engineer Jon Bartel and mastering engineer Justin Gray. So many wonderful people contributed to this project and this recognition acknowledges all of our work and in that way it is quite gratifying.”
The JUNO Awards are set to take place in Halifax from March 21 to 24. The AMPD community eagerly anticipates the results of the awards ceremony and wishes Professor Lemish the best of luck.
Congratulations to Professor Lemish for this well-deserved recognition, and may his success continue to inspire and elevate the musical landscape at York University.
