Generations in Jazz is returning to Mount Gambier in June in a one-off hybrid format with grand plans of interacting with a global audience.

GIJ Improvised 2022 is a virtual, digital and live event drawing on the much-loved elements of Generations in Jazz in a COVID-safe capacity.

Long-serving Generations in Jazz artistic director James Morrison said among all the disruptions and hardships of the past two years, the committee was delighted to return with an improvised format in 2022.

“The spirit of GIJ is that we all come together to share this music we love and learn from each other, hear some great playing and be inspired,” Mr Morrison said.

“While the current situation may not allow us to do that in the way we have in the past, I believe this hybrid event will give us the opportunity to create that spirit and continue to inspire each other until we can be together again.”

GIJ Improvised 2022 has three distinct elements – virtual, live and digital connections.

The virtual element will include the stage band, vocal ensemble and small combo awards. Each participating school will submit a recording of their performance to be adjudicated as per the normal event format, with full feedback provided.

The live component will include the GIJ Gala concert at Mount Gambier’s Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre on June 16 featuring a star-studded GIJ Alumni Big Band, comprising many scholarship winners and finalists drawn from three decades of Generations in Jazz. The concert will also include the announcement of results for the various school award categories. 

The digital component will include live streaming of the gala concert, including the involvement of international artists who will be performing and sending messages from overseas.

GIJ chair Peter Roberts said the improvised event would showcase Mount Gambier’s connection with jazz to the international stage, with globally recognised jazz masters Bob Mintzer and John Clayton lending their skills as adjudicators for the City of Mount Gambier National Stage Band Awards.

“We would love to think that schools will have their own campus celebrations watching the gala concert together as the groups who have performed, enjoying the excitement and unity that is usually generated at GIJ.

Visit www.generationsinjazz.com.au to find out more.