Take Note

Introducing MIJF’s 2026 Take Note Jazz Leader

Violinist, composer and improviser Xani Kolac has been selected to lead MIJF’s Take Note program in 2026.

One of Melbourne’s most distinctive musicians, Xani is redefining the possibilities of the electric violin within contemporary and improvised music. Hailed by The Age as “an expert at melding creative artistry with technology to build captivating sound worlds”, she has spent more than a decade pushing the boundaries of her instrument, drawing influence from artists as diverse as Jimi Hendrix, Stuff Smith, CAN, Camille and Björk, alongside her deep roots in jazz and improvisation.

Xani’s extensive career includes standout international performances at Classical:NEXT in Berlin, Tallinn Music Week (Estonia) and SXSW London, as well as an Artist Residency at MONOM Studios in Berlin. At home, she has appeared at major festivals and venues including RISING, Dark Mofo, Brisbane Festival and the Melbourne Recital Centre. Her artistry has earned her numerous accolades, among them the 2022 Music Victoria Award for Best Musician.

After a busy and successful 2025, releasing two acclaimed albums: the Australian Music Prize–nominated Keep Moving, and live improvised recording, Live, 2026 marks an exciting chapter of artistic and professional development for Xani.

“I am over the moon to be chosen as this year’s Take Note Leader,” says Xani. “It is an honour and a precious gift; especially after being inspired by, and in awe of, the projects and music created by each and every Take Note Leader who has come before me […] It is rare to have so much guidance, support, and encouragement while also having time to dedicate to making new work”.

Find out more and hear more from Xani on our Content Hub.

About Take Note

Now in its eighth year, Take Note is a program that addresses the underrepresentation of women and gender diverse musicians in jazz by celebrating and promoting women and gender diverse leaders on stage and in high schools across Victoria. We believe that ‘if you can see it, you can be it’.

In 2019, MIJF launched the Take Note program to support the career development of a Victorian early to mid-career leader in jazz while championing diversity and encouraging high school-aged musicians to consider a career in jazz performance. Each year, the Take Note Jazz Leader is commissioned and supported to develop new music for presentation at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, and receives a range of professional and artistic development opportunities, as well as having the opportunity to deliver a range of educational activities.

The Take Note Jazz Leader receives:

• A $7,500 cash bursary to support the development of new original music to be presented at the 2026 Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
• A performance at the 2026 Melbourne International Jazz Festival (16-25 October)
• Ticketing package for MIJF 2026 and networking opportunities based around Festival events.
• Professional and artistic mentoring/development opportunities, shaped around the needs of the Program Leader.
• Regional and metropolitan high school workshop facilitation opportunities.
• University workshop engagement

The Take Note initiative is supported by The Harry Kestin Foundation, The Robert Salzer Foundation, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (University of Melbourne), Monash University and ABC Jazz.

Melbourne International Jazz Festival wishes to acknowledge the generous support provided by the late Harry Kestin, who was instrumental in conceiving this program in 2019 and beyond.

Program Alumni