March 31, 2009

By By Karen Fensterstock, London

Jazz musician Ornette Coleman has been revealed as the artistic director for the South Bank Centre's 16th annual Meltdown Festival in London, running from June 12 to 21.

Coleman, a saxophonist, violinist, trumpeter, and composer, is renowned for being a key innovator of the free jazz movement of the 1950's and '60's. In 2007, he was honored with a Grammy award for lifetime achievement.

Coleman becomes the first jazz artist to take charge of Meltdown; previous Meltdown curators include David Bowie, Morrissey, Nick Cave, Patti Smith, Jarvis Cocker and Massive Attack.

The full line-up for the festival is still to be announced, although it has been confirmed that Coleman will perform two concerts at the Royal Festival Hall. One will be based on his 1959 album "The Shape Of Jazz To Come" and the other by his 1961 release "This Is Our Music."

As director, Coleman acts as curator of the event and will determine the festival's performers. As well as live music, it will include art exhibitions and film screenings.

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