There are only 10 days left to enter the GIJ Vocal Scholarship and James Morrison Jazz Scholarship and have the chance of joining an exclusive list of past Generations in Jazz alumni.
Now in its 33rd year, the James Morrison Jazz Scholarship provides $10,000 for an emerging artist aged 19 years and under to assist the development of their musical career.
This scholarship is funded by the Melbourne philanthropist Andrea Evans and family, recognising the late Ron Evans who had a lifelong love of jazz and strong desire to encourage and foster musical talent.
The GIJ Vocal Scholarship, which is celebrating its 18th year, provides $10,000 for an emerging artist aged 21 years and under encouraging the development of jazz vocalists and recognising outstanding achievement in their genre. The scholarship is sponsored by Mount Gambier’s Scott family.
Six finalists will be selected for both scholarships who will perform and be adjudicated in Mount Gambier, before the gala concert at Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre on June 16.
Generations in Jazz chair Peter Roberts said the board was proud to host a new-look GIJ Improvised 2022 event after emerging from the COVID pandemic challenge which forced the cancellation of the two previous years.
“The interim event format for 2022 will merge virtual, live and digital performances from across the globe,” he said.
“It’s extremely pleasing for our board, school music programs nationally and our local community to see the return of this much-loved and celebrated event, whilst we might not have our iconic ‘Big Top’ because of the impacts of the pandemic.
“The scholarship winners will be announced at the GIJ Gala concert on June 16, with many acclaimed past scholarship recipients and finalists who will be performing in the GIJ Alumni Big Band.”
Mr Roberts said Thirsty Merc’s Phil Stack, who claimed the James Morrison Jazz Scholarship in 1997, will perform in Mount Gambier alongside James Morrison and a host of celebrated Australian jazz performers.
“There is still much more news to be announced over the coming weeks about some of the friends Phil and James will be bringing to share the stage – it’s going to be a class act of performers and we cannot wait to share more news,” he said.
Entries close for both scholarships on April 15.
