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Stephen Magnusson – Winner of the 2000 National Jazz Awards , 2013 Bell award- Best Contemporary Album and the 2013 Melbourne Music Prize – Outstanding Musician Award , is one of Australia’s most accomplished, versatile and distinct musicians.

Stephen began playing the guitar at an early age, soon discovering the world of improvised music. He studied guitar at Box Hill TAFE in 1985 and in 1986 Stephen began his formal training at the prestigious Victorian College of the Arts. Here he worked under the supervision of some of Australia’s finest musicians, Tony Gould, Bob Sedergreen and Paul Grabowsky. He immersed himself in the practice of improvisation and composition, joining various bands and exploring many styles as he further developed an understanding of the mechanics of his instrument and the art of improvisation.

Stephen travelled to Europe in the late 90’s performing and collaborating with musicians in Switzerland, Germany, Bulgaria and Holland. On meeting musicians from Argentina and Sweden, Stephen formed the band SNAG, released three albums and toured throughout Europe.

After 3 years living in Zurich, Stephen returned to Melbourne in 2000. He entered the National Jazz Award at Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival winning first prize, achieving recognition as one of the country’s strong musical contributors for his unique sound. At this festival he performed with his trio – The Stephen Magnusson Trio featuring Argentinean drummer Sergio Beresovsky and trumpeter Eugene Ball. The trio then released the CD 'Healing Songs’ in 2001. Following this success, he used his sabbatical to travel extensively, further developing his musical vision and versatility.

Stephen arrived back in Australia in 2002, where he spent time in the Northern Territory playing music in Aboriginal communities with old friend and collaborator Stephen Teakle. This had a significant impact on both his life and his music. Back in Melbourne, he embarked on a recording that would incorporate these influences compositionally and sonically. He and his peers believe this to be the point at which the distinctive and unique sound, which is the hallmark of his practice, began to emerge. ‘Boundaries’ was released that year with Bassist Frank Di Sario. These two events were pivotal in the next chapter of Stephen’s career.

From 2003 Stephen has continued to compose, perform and improvise with a wide range of ensembles across Australia and overseas, releasing over 10 recordings of his own and has collaborated on many more including, the Australian Art Orchestra, Elixir – featuring Katie Noonan, and the Julien Wilson Trio. His ensemble MAGNET will release their second album in October.

In 2013 the Melbourne Prize Trust awarded Stephen the highly regarded ‘Outstanding Musician Award’ to develop his MAGNET project. He is about to commence writing for a new project – Kinfolk.