The semi-finals of the Keep an Eye International Jazz Award 2024, held this Monday and Tuesday on the 8th and 9th of April, showcased the impressive talent of musicians from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) Jazz Department. Out of 33 applicants, 10 semi-finalists emerged, with two CvA bands securing their place in the finale scheduled for April 18th at the BIMHUIS.
The Keep an Eye Jazz International Award is an annual competition showcasing exceptional talent from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and select institutions in the United States and Europe. The theme for this 14th edition is Carla Bley; each band arranges and performs their interpretation of one of seven selected pieces by the American jazz pianist and composer. Participants have the chance to win substantial prizes that can significantly advance their careers.
This year’s participating schools are The School of Jazz & Contemporary Music at the New School, New York; Boyer College of Music & Dance, Philadelphia; University of Music and Performing Arts, Graz; Musikene, San Sebastián and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
The Keep an Eye International Jazz Award 2024 is made possible by the Keep an Eye Foundation in collaboration with the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
The finalists will go to the international final on 18th April at the BIMHUIS and receive a cash prize of €1250. There was also an Incentive Prize awarded, which included a cash prize of €750.
We won’t keep you longer in suspense! Below you can find the finalists and the winners of the Incentive Prize.
Finalists
Alice Leggett & Chaerin Im *Orchestra*
Alice Leggett – alto saxophone
Ask Morris – tenor saxophone
Chaerin Im – piano, synths
Matteo Mazzù – bass guitar
Pedro Nobre – drums
Sonic Choir of Love
Ketija Ringa Karahona – flute
Micheal Murray – alto sax
Miguel Valente – alto sax
Adrían Bifano – guitar
Francisco Garrido – guitar
Heehyun Lee – guitar
Samuel Kiel – double bass
Ludvig Søndergaard - drums
Incentive Prize
The Rabbits
Carolina Gemmell – vocal
Ori Ron – cello
Flavia Escartin – cello
David Saruchanov – piano
Congratulations to the finalists and participants, and a big thank you to the Keep an Eye Foundation and our jury; Reinier Baas, Kika Sprangers, Sylvi Lane, Franz von Chossy, Angelique van Os and Joachim Junghanss (chairman).
Please click here to find out more about the final on April 18th. Entrance is free, but please note doors open at7pm and we strongly advise you to be there well on time, as we are expecting it to be a full house!
Photo by Veerle Bas