Gansch & Roses – A Musical Celebration with an Educational Heartbeat

When Thomas Gansch invited audiences to the Vienna Konzerthaus for his 50th birthday, it quickly became clear that this evening would be more than just a concert. It turned into a celebration of inspiration, humor, and musical excellence. With Gansch & Roses, his brilliantly assembled “small big band,” he celebrated not only himself but also everything that has driven him for decades: the joy of making music and sharing that joy with others.

Great Guests, Great Moments

The international guests – including artists such as James Morrison and Randy Brecker – turned the stage into a space where world-class artistry felt right at home. Yet the way Gansch gave them room, engaged with them, and shared spontaneous musical conversations strongly resembled an expanded lesson: inspiring, open, full of respect and curiosity.

It was unmistakable throughout the evening that Gansch shapes not only as a musician but also as a teacher. As a professor at the JAM MUSIC LAB Private University, where he trains young musicians in jazz and popular music, he brings exactly that blend of technical precision, playful exuberance, and pedagogical sensitivity that defined the concert.

An Ensemble that Embodies Musical Learning

His fellow musicians – many of them educators, role models, or inspirational figures themselves – contributed significantly to this spirit. Their confident solos, calm virtuosity, and spontaneous interaction revealed a wealth of experience and musical communication.

An Evening That Shows What Music Can Teach

In the end, this concert wasn’t just a retrospective on 50 years of lived music, but also a glimpse into what educational work in jazz can be: igniting enthusiasm, encouraging individuality, and teaching the craft with humor, lightness, and attention to detail.