About
Gwen Sampé is a dynamic jazz singer whose artistry thrives on the principles of improvisation and sound manipulation. Hailing from a family of singers, her musical expression blends rich historical roots with a contemporary sensibility, drawing inspiration from jazz legends like John Coltrane and Betty Carter.
Gwen is also a keen storyteller and poetry reader and is currently writing a show centered around the theme of storytelling, reflecting on her journey as an artist.
Gwen's artistic journey is both diverse and impactful. Her performances encompass a wide range of platforms, from jazz circuits to contemporary theatre including:
"From the Fields to the Concert Hall": A self-produced one-woman show that premiered in Italy.
Directed and composed music for "Turnings," a theater piece adapted from Wole Soyinka's A Shuttle in the Crypt.
Became the first woman to portray the role of God in Benjamin Britten's Noye's Fludde in 1990.
Joined the Ariya Opera Company in 1994, performing the role of Spirit in Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas.
Gwen has showcased her talent across various regions, performing in clubs and festivals throughout England, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, and Germany. She released her debut album, "Water Gazing," in 2002, featuring a blend of her own compositions and classic standards. Her duo project with pianist Jobic Le Masson culminated in the album "Conversions," released in the fall of 2014, while her most recent works include "A Lovesome Thing: Songs of Billy Strayhorn" with contrabassist Harry Swift and a second album with Jobic Le Masson "Live at Borgo Pignano," recorded recorded live in Italy.
Collaborations
Gwen has a rich collaborative history, working with diverse musicians and artists, including:
Jazz Musicians: John Betsch, Peter Giron, Bobby Few, Jobic Le Masson, Harry Swift, Bheki Mseleku, Peter Giron, Ichiro Onoe, Aldridge Hansberry
Choreographers: Elsa Wolliaston, Mehdi Farajpour
Dancer/Choreographer Collaboration: “Yet Untitled,” choreographed by Mehdi Farajpour, received the award for Best Performance at the International Theatre Festival (PUF 2015) in Pula, Croatia.
Teaching Experience
Gwen teaches regularly and is passionate about sharing her knowledge and skills. She offers individual lessons and workshops for singers and explores the intersection of sound and movement with dancers. Her educational background in dance complements her teaching, having studied under instructors such as Yolande Burke and William Louther in London, as well as Elsa Wolliaston in Paris.
Gwen Sampé continues to inspire and innovate in the realms of jazz and performance, pushing artistic boundaries while fostering the next generation of artists.
This revised text organizes Gwen's achievements clearly, emphasizing her artistry, collaborations, and teaching experience effectively.
