26 Sep 2024
🎷 Morrison Concert 2024: A Night to Remember! 🎷
What do you get when you combine world-class musicians, emerging young talent, and a state high school stage? Pure jazz magic! The Morrison Concert 2024, hosted at Kirrawee High School, was an electrifying fusion of local talent and international stardom that had the audience swinging, swaying, and spellbound!
A Star-Studded Lineup 🌟
This year, the iconic James Morrison returned to dazzle the crowd, bringing with him a powerhouse of talent. He was joined by the soulful Emma Pask, whose voice could melt butter, and the sensational Kirrawee High School Jazz Orchestra (KHSJO). But that’s not all! The cherry on top? The Romanian piano virtuoso, Marian Petrescu—yes, the Marian Petrescu—graced us with his blistering fingers and boundless jazz expertise.
Vocal Workshop with Emma Pask 🎤
Before the evening's magic even hit the stage, Emma Pask led a vocal workshop for 10 lucky students. Whether they were jazz enthusiasts from the orchestra or aspiring HSC vocal stars, these students got hands-on coaching from one of Australia’s top jazz vocalists. Can you imagine belting out tunes while getting feedback from someone of Emma's caliber? What a moment!
Behind the Scenes 🎶
James Morrison and Emma Pask didn’t just stop with their vocal brilliance—they rolled up their sleeves and worked with the KHS Jazz Orchestra, diving into the nitty-gritty of musical performance. James focused on the intensity and depth of sound, pushing the students to elevate their craft and passion for the genre.
And let’s not forget the technical wizards behind the curtain. Sound checks were handled with precision by Peter Reeve and newcomer David McMahon, who, despite being new to the school, is no stranger to the big leagues. He’s designed lighting for acts at the Sydney Opera House—so yeah, he knows his stuff! David wowed the audience, lighting up the stage like it was Broadway. VET students also had a golden opportunity to help with the sound and lighting setup and got front-row seats to learn how the pros work their magic during a live show.
Act One: KHS Jazz Orchestra in the Spotlight 🎷🎸
The first half was a showcase of the bright stars of tomorrow. The KHS Jazz Orchestra put the graduating class of 2024 on full display. With jaw-dropping solos from Christian Butler and Matilda Bradley on Alto Sax, Justin Swords on Baritone Sax, Molly Fitzpatrick on Tenor Sax, Max Fernandez on vocals and the dynamic duo Kayne Harris and Kynan Di Cesare on Guitar, it was clear: these students are no amateurs.
Emma Pask guided the orchestra through timeless jazz numbers like "Sunny Side of the Street," "Georgia," and "Mack the Knife." Each note was played with perfection, and Morrison, ever the storyteller, couldn't help but reminisce about the time he discovered Emma on that very same stage—30 years ago! Talk about coming full circle.
The grand finale, Cabin in the Corner, was a performance for the ages—one that will never be replicated quite the same way. It began with a stunning colla voce intro, with James Morrison at the piano and Emma Pask's mesmerizing vocals filling the room. Then, the Jazz Orchestra kicked things into high gear, bringing the piece to life with vibrant solos from all the graduating students. Special shoutouts go to vocalists Scarlet Pettigrew, Olivia Mustapic, and Tiana Bishara, whose voices soared alongside the music, creating a truly unforgettable crescendo to the night.
Act Two: The Morrison Family Quartet + Marian Petrescu 🎼
As if the first half wasn’t sensational enough, the second half was next-level. James Morrison’s quartet, featuring his sons Harry and William and the legendary Gordon Rytmeister on drums, took the stage by storm. But the real treat? Marian Petrescu. Not only did he spend the afternoon giving students invaluable insights into jazz, but he also joined the band on stage, displaying his lightning-fast piano skills. His fingers practically blurred across the keys, leaving everyone in awe.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better—encore time. The group came together for a show-stopping performance of “Cherokee.” It was nothing short of jaw-dropping. A humble school stage became the epicenter of jazz, and it was pure magic.
Thank You to Our Amazing Supporters!
A night like this doesn’t happen without the help of our incredible community. Big thanks to Hydroflux, Sylvania BMW, National Surgical Corporation, Swimart, City Cave, ARB, Shire Judo, The Best Little Bookshop in Town, and the KHS Parents and Citizens Committee for making this night possible. And of course, a standing ovation to the parents and students of the KHS Jazz Orchestra—your dedication and talent made the evening unforgettable.
Here's to the next generation of jazz legends—and to nights like this that remind us why music truly is the universal language. 🎶
Click here to view the gallery.