On Saturday February 8, thirteen pre-selected ensembles and makers pitched their concepts at the Grachtenfestival weekend. In eight minutes they had to convince the jury of their ideas in the the categories klassiek uit alle werelddelen (classical from all continents), cross-over and the festival theme for 2020 Wonder. All winners will give a concert this summer during the Grachtenfestival.

Klassiek uit alle werelddelen (Classical from all continents)
Classical jazz crossover ensemble Nachtlicht won the pitch 'klassiek uit alle werelddelen'. The ensemble, consisting of jazz and classical music students from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, het Koninklijk Conservatorium Den Haag, Codarts Rotterdam and the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht, swayed the jury with a beautiful mix of classical, jazz and music from various Asian countries. The group also won the OorkaanPrijs, for the pitch with the most promising podium presentation. With this prize Nachtlicht won a three-day masterclass in the unique Oorkaan-method; workshops in making theatrical concerts.

The Conservatorium van Amsterdam is represented by members Iara Perillo (flute and piccolo), Fleur Peereboom (alt- and tenor saxophone) and Arjan Linker (trombone, artistical leader).

Wonder
YenTing Lo won the pitch for the category ‘Wonder’. Together with band and the Cheng Quartet she links the wonders of nature to music. YenTing Lo obtained her bachelor diploma in Jazz Voice in 2019.

Cross-over
Recorder player and maker Emily Bannister won in the category ‘cross-over’. Using contemporary and early music, she wants to tell a story about female empowerment. Emily Bannister studies Recorder in the master’s degree programme.