In recent years, pianist, composer and master improviser Nduduzo Makhathini has emerged from South Africa’s vibrant jazz scene to become one of the most in-demand musicians of our generation—performing across the globe at the world’s great jazz festivals and iconic venues.

Following a series of intensive rehearsals, students from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne will showcase the talent of Melbourne’s next generation of jazz, performing alongside the incredible Makhathini in an inspiring celebration of collaboration and interaction.

Originally commissioned by the Netherlands’ North Sea Jazz Festival, Dutch saxophonist and composer Marike van Dijk presents Stranded, an evocative work inspired by her experience of being unable to return home during the pandemic period.

With a cinematic compositional style mixing influences from jazz, classical and indie rock, this captivating performance sees van Dijk join forces with some of Australia’s finest musicians.

Marike van Dijk – saxophone
Hugh Stuckey – guitar
Brett Williams – piano
Sam Anning – bass
Ben Vanderwal – drums