About Ethan
Ethan Allego, born 8th July 2009 is a 17 year old Montréal-based jazz pianist, composer, and ensemble performer whose musical interests span bebop, swing, Latin jazz, composition, and orchestral music. Rooted in the jazz tradition, his playing continues to develop through performance, mentorship, collaboration, and exploration. He is currently studying Jazz Piano at Vanier College, following his completion of the International Baccalaureate program at École secondaire des Sources and previous studies at the École de Jazz de Montréal.His musical development has been shaped by private study with musicians and educators including Rossano Sportiello, Geoffrey Keezer, Sullivan Fortner, Donald Vega, Howard Rees, Peter Madsen, Chris Byars, Shan Verma, David Ryshpan, Willy Sotto Barreto, Jeff Johnston, and Chad Linsley. Through these studies, Ethan has explored the Barry Harris approach to harmony and movement, bebop and stride piano, jazz composition, counterpoint, orchestration, Latin styles, modern harmony, solo-piano playing, and audition preparation.Performance is central to Ethan's musical development. He has participated in concerts, jam sessions, and collaborative performances in Montréal, New York City, Florida, and internationally, including musical experiences at Smalls Jazz Club, Dizzy's Club, Mezzrow, Dièse Onze, Upstairs Jazz Club, Le Balcon, Cabaret Jazz L'Entracte, and university jam sessions at McGill and Concordia. He has performed in trio, quintet, sextet, combo, and big-band settings, including appearances with the Denis Chang Sextet, AMP Trio, David Rourke group, and Christian Pineau Jazz Quintet.Ethan has also used music to support community and charitable initiatives, including performances benefiting the Air Canada Foundation, lupus awareness, and autoimmune-disease research, as well as public jazz performances during the Montreal International Jazz Festival. His achievements include becoming a semifinalist in the 7 Virtual Jazz Club International Jazz Piano Competition, attending McGill Jazz Camp, receiving JazzWorks Jazz Camp scholarships in 2025 and 2026, being selected as pianist for the 2026 Conn-Selmer Centerstage Jazz Band, and winning the 2026 Jazz 4 the Ages Youth Competition.Alongside jazz performance, Ethan is developing as a composer and arranger, with a growing interest in orchestral writing and music for film. His background in improvisation and jazz harmony influences his approach to composition, with an emphasis on storytelling, emotion, and musical communication.