In 2023, Tivoli and JazzDanmark relaunched the Tivoli Jazz Prize awards ceremony. The purpose of the event is to bring together jazz grants and foster the creation of even more. The Glass Hall Theatre sets the stage for the awards ceremony, where some of the country’s most talented musicians are celebrated with grants and mini-concerts, accompanied by one of Tivoli’s own orchestras. The show is followed by an open jam session in the Jubilee Garden.

The composition of the grants changes and evolves year by year. The current grants are donated by the William Demant Foundation, the Beckett Foundation, the Gangsted Foundation, and the late René Daugaard. Additionally, the Children’s Jazz Prize is awarded in collaboration with LMS – Live Music in Schools.

Grants at Tivoli Jazzpris are

• Inspirator of the Year
• Breakthrough of the Year
• Communicator of the Year
• The René Daugaard Grant
• Children’s Jazz Prize

Breakthrough of the Year

The Breakthrough of the Year award recognizes a Danish jazz musician who, over the past year, has distinguished themselves with remarkable musical talent. This grant celebrates an artist whose skill and dedication have made a significant impact within the jazz genre and whose work inspires both audiences and fellow musicians. It is awarded to a musician who has excelled through innovative or extraordinary live performances or with a high-quality, groundbreaking release.
(William Demant Foundation, 30,000 DKK)

Communicator of the Year

The Communicator of the Year award acknowledges an outstanding contribution to the dissemination of jazz. This grant can be awarded to an individual who promotes jazz through traditional media, in writing, podcasts, or articles, or to an institution or project leader who goes above and beyond to bring jazz to the public. It honors those who, with creativity and commitment, make jazz accessible and vibrant for both new and seasoned listeners and whose work significantly contributes to spreading and enriching the understanding of jazz music.
(William Demant Foundation, 20,000 DKK)

Inspirator of the Year

The Inspirator of the Year award honors a Danish jazz musician who has demonstrated remarkable musical skill throughout their career and has been a source of inspiration and hope. Beckett Foundation’s Jazz Grant is awarded to a musician who skillfully bridges musical elements from past and present, creating connections between generations and whose contributions to jazz continue to inspire both current and future jazz musicians.
(Beckett Foundation, 2 x 25,000 DKK)

The René Daugaard Grant

Each year from 2020 to 2029, this grant is awarded to a talented jazz pianist deserving of special recognition. Each grant of 20,000 DKK is intended to support the pianist’s further development and career on both the Danish and international jazz scenes.

The Children’s Jazz Prize

The purpose of the Children’s Jazz Prize is to celebrate professional jazz musicians who tailor their music to upcoming generations. Traditionally awarded in connection with the DMA Jazz, this prize moved to the Tivoli Jazz Prize in 2024 and, for the first time, will be given as a grant.
(Gangsted Foundation, 30,000 DKK)