Kirsten Sym Undectet | Somehow It Will Be | August 28, 2026
Kirsten Symczycz presents a deeply personal debut for her 11-piece jazz ensemble on Somehow It Will Be, a collection of original compositions shaped by place, memory and artistic growth. Drawing on influences from contemporary large-ensemble jazz while maintaining a strong sense of individuality among the players, the album captures a formative period in the Perth-based composer’s creative development.
Somehow It Will Be is set for release on August 28th, 2026..
Symczycz’s interest in writing for an 11-piece ensemble began during her studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), where she was introduced to Marty Paich’s arrangements on Art Pepper + Eleven. Drawn to a format that sits between a small group and a big band, she found a setting capable of offering rich colours and textures while preserving the unique voices of individual musicians. What began as a university project gradually evolved into the Kirsten Sym Undectet, whose music has been shaped by the landscapes, communities and experiences of life in Perth, Western Australia.
Storytelling lies at the centre of Symczycz’s writing. Many of the compositions began with a particular moment, feeling or memory, using music to explore a sense of place and personal experience. Together, the pieces form a collection that reflects both personal and artistic growth.
Featuring a lineup of Perth-based musicians whose distinctive personalities are central to the project’s sound, the music balances detailed arrangements with opportunities for improvisation and individual expression. Many parts were written with specific musicians in mind, allowing the ensemble to play an active role in shaping the music beyond the page.
Alongside her work as a composer, Symczycz has performed with ensembles including Artemis Orchestra and Salama, and has been active in Perth’s free-improvised music scene since 2015. Those experiences contribute to a musical language that values both structure and spontaneity.
The album’s visual identity reflects its connection to place, drawing inspiration from the landscapes of the Darlington Hills in Western Australia. Together with the music, it forms a portrait of the environment, experiences and creative relationships that shaped the project.
With Somehow It Will Be, Symczycz introduces a distinctive new large-ensemble voice – one rooted in contemporary jazz composition, collaborative improvisation, and a deep connection to the people and places behind the music.
Line up
Kirsten Symczycz | Composer/Accordion
Holly Forster | Alto/Soprano Saxophone
Finn Owen | Tenor Saxophone
Naoko Uemoto | Baritone Saxophone
Jessica Carlton | Trumpet
Tahlia Denn | French Horn
Steven Bickley | Trombone
Rob Coleman | Bass Trombone
Xavier Douglas-Smith | Piano
Aiden Moroney | Guitar
Cass Evans-Ocharern | Bass
Ben Stacy | Drums
Sarah Ramsey | Vocals (Track 2)
Matthew Barker | Tuba (Track 4)
Track Listing
Jakoś to będzie
One for Jim
Leaving
Giant Black Butterflies
Memoir
Nothing Twice
Broken Hill