The “Passages” initiative, led by AJC, FNEIJMA, and Grands Formats, aims to promote equality and inclusion in jazz and improvised music through a gender-diverse artistic and professional mentoring program.
Passages offers artistic and professional guidance led by professional female musicians for young mentees. In this context, IMEP and La Sirène de Paris are partnering to implement the program in the Paris area.
In Paris, IMEP is partnering with the Pavillon de la Sirène to roll out this program throughout the region. The project is based on collaboration among three complementary entities: an educational institution, a performance venue, and an artistic team.
Personalized artistic support from IMEP and the Pavillon de la Sirène for four musicians working toward a professional career.
IMEP alumni Eliza Nirlu and Adèle Mistrin—singers and pianists—and the musicians from the band Zones, Rozann Bézier, a jazz trombonist, and Juliette Weiss, a double bassist, will be mentored by professional musicians Orelle Soyeux and Delphine Deau.
The year-round program for mentees includes:
- Stage and Administrative Coaching
- Meetings with Female Musicians from the Music Scene
- Roundtable discussions on production, programming, management, and more…
- Training on Combating Sexist and Sexual Violence and Harassment (VHSS)
- Concerts marking the end of residencies…
Mentors:
Delphine Deau :
Delphine Deau is a pianist, composer, and leader of the Nefertiti Quartet, which she has led for over ten years. The group, which has won several awards (Jazz Migration, Euroradio Jazz Competition, Keep an Eye Records), has recorded four albums and performed on numerous stages in France and across Europe. Since 2022, Delphine has also been developing several artistic projects, including a solo piece for prepared piano inspired by Renaissance music and the Cosmic Keys project, co-created with Axel Nouveau, which recently received an award at the Avignon Festival.
Orelle Soyeux :
Orelle Soyeux, who holds degrees in neuroscience, music, and music psychology, is a graduate of IMEP Paris College of Music, where she has been teaching voice since 2022. She also pursues a career as a singer, pianist, and singer-songwriter through her solo project. She is also the musical director, producer, and pianist for an independent cabaret. Chez Mikhaa et Orelle.
