Jazz artists’ competition „Sony Jazz Stage” opens application for the year 2009

06. - 07.03.2008

PERUUTETTU!

Riga, Latvia

Till 18th of January, 2009 young and talented jazz artists from Baltic States and Finland are invited to apply for the competition „Sony Jazz Stage 2009” in two nominations– „Jazz Vocal” and „Jazz Saxophone”

The competition for young and talented jazz artists is organized by fund „Contemporary Music Centre” in cooperation with SONY, and 2009 will be the 6th time by turns.

„Now we are in age that in human life is simply wonderful! Age when you start to see, hear on your own, age when you start to speak your own language. It’s an honor for us, if we can help our young and talented artists to make the first step in their musical future,” Diāna Briežkalne, director of Sony Jazz Stage.

Every year there are two nominations – one constantly is „Jazz Vocal” but the other is dedicated to one music instrument that varies every year. This year the second nomination belongs to the instrument which has taken, so to say, iconic place in jazz music – saxophone.

Competition has two rounds. In the first round the participants submit demo materials and jury choose the finalists which than are invited to Riga Final to perform two compositions. The results will be announced in Gala concert on 7th of March, 2009.

For the young jazz artists „Sony Jazz Stage” is not just a chance to perform in front of wider audience, it’s a chance to gain an international recognition. The award fund, which in terms of money comes to 4400 EUR and gives an opportunity to perform in different international jazz festivals such as „Rīgas Ritmi” (Latvia), „Kaunas Jazz” (Lithuania), „Pori Jazz” (Finland), „JazzKaar” (Estonia) and „Nardis Jazz Club” (Turkey), insures that. The best lady-vocal form Latvia will get an invitation to participate in international jazz vocal competition „Lady Summertime” (Finland).

The international recognition is insured also by the jury which consists of Jyrki Kangas (Pori Jazz Festival), Anne Erm (JazzKaar), Onder Focan (Nardis Jazz Club), Osku Rajala (Lady Summertime)etc.

The first Grand Prix (2004) in nomination „Jazz Vocal” won Intars Busulis (Latvia). In the next competitions Grand Prix won Kristaps Vanadziņš (LV), Jūlija Zakirova (LV), Kristina Svolkinaite (LT), Māris Plūme (LV), Peedu Kass (EE), Andris Buiķis (LV) and Raimonda Vaičiūte (LT).

Regulations and application form look at: www.sonyjazzstage.lv