Barcelona - Boston - Amsterdam - New York - Trondheim
SEMI - FINALS
April 8 & 9 19:30 hrs
CvA Blue Stage Conservatorium van Amsterdam
A competition for outstanding young musicians from Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (Barcelona), Berklee Global Jazz Institute (Boston), Manhattan School of Music (New York), NTNU Bachelor in Performing Music - Jazz (Trondheim) and Conservatorium van Amsterdam (Amsterdam).
PROGRAM
Tuesday April 8th Semi-Final I
CvA Blue Stage, 19.30h
Wednesday April 9th Semi-Final II
CvA Blue Stage, 19.30h
Monday April 14th Jam Session
CvA Blue Stage, 19.30h
Tuesday April 15th Band Coaching finalists
By Ben van Gelder and Jonas Burgwinkel
CvA Blue Stage, 10:00h – 17:00h
Wednesday April 16th Masterclass
By Jonas Burgwinkel
CvA Blue Stage, 11:00h
Wednesday April 16th International Final BIMHUIS, 19.30h
BANDS
AL’DAM CONNECTION
Mireu Han – Alto Saxophone
Alberto Romanillos – Trumpet
Jose Diego Sarabia Muñoz – Trombone
Pedro Mendes – Piano
Quentin Fournet-Fayas – Double Bass
Dane Paris – Drums
AL’DAM Connection is a musical project led by Jose Diego Sarabia Muñoz, featuring great musicians from the Amsterdam jazz scene. The music embodies the artistic introspection of the band leader who seeks to create a dialogue between his South-Spanish roots, from Almería, with the cultural influences of Amsterdam, where he developed his musical language. Their music blends hip-hop grooves with Brazilian and Latin rhythms as well as more traditional sounds to give the band a unique and original personality.
TJ’S PRETTY PEOPLE
Teddy Sicking – Jazz and Classical Violin
Mikołaj Tarczyński – Electric Guitar
Anton Tuxen – Electric Bass
Jesper van den Eijnden – Drums
TJ’s Pretty People is an Amsterdam-based jazz fusion band led by violinist Teddy Sicking. She combines her roots in jazz and classical music, resulting in the band’s unique repertoire inspired by composers like Wayne Shorter and Arthur Honegger. Teddy is looking for her own sound by mixing violin with effects pedals and vocals. So, what’s that music like? Imagine crazy grooves, soothing ballads and lush soundscapes with free elements. In January of 2024, TJ’s Pretty People played in the finals of the Jonge Makers Prijs of the Nederlands Vioolconcours.
ANNA ZAVORINA STRING QUARTET
Teddy Sicking – Violin
Linda Lukas – Violin
Ida Weidner – Viola
Anna Zavorina – Double Bass
Anna’s string quartet is a quartet that intuitively blends jazz arrangements and original compositions with choral harmonies, creating a natural dialogue between strings and voice. We are deeply moved by composers of XX century and trying to learn from a masters! Body&Soul is arranged in a style of 4 composers, try to guess!
BANDS
SAGE
Romain Gachot – Trumpet
Grégoire Kieffer – Piano
Duarte Fernandes – Double Bass
Alexander Ivanov – Drums
Blending jazz with traditional Music and French Impressionism, the group SAGE redefines musical boundaries. Inspired by Modern Jazz influences, their respective backgrounds lend different touches of color to the music they play, all centered around jazz. Their music is meant to connect with listeners through the songs they write.
MATTI KLESSASCHECK SEXTET
Matti Klessascheck – Alto Saxophone
Rasmus Lagerberg – Vibraphone
Torin Davies – Guitar
Matthieu Le Coz – Piano
Federico Campanello – Double Bass
Alejandro Martin Puchau – Drums
Writing music for this band feels a bit like weaving on a loom. Every thread must be carefully placed next to the other - tight enough to ensure the fabric holds together, yet loose enough for it to remain flexible. The interweaving of vibraphone, guitar and piano, three instruments that can serve a double role - harmonic and melodic, demands patience and attention to detail; at the same time, it is offering room for new freedom. Matti handles the loom with care, keeping each individual player in mind. In his band he is joined by five fellow students from CvA, who find great joy in making music together and bringing the woven to life
BANDS
CALIMA
Miguel Valente – Alto Sax
Marco Ullstein – Vibraphone
Jules Charbonnier – Piano
Ton Felices – Double Bass
Ludvig Holde Søndergaard – Drums
Calima is a bold new project born from a shared passion for expressive, improvised music. Featuring vibraphone, piano, alto sax, drums, and double bass, the band crafts a dynamic soundscape full of energy, emotion, and spontaneity. Their music is an immersive journey - balancing rhythmic interplay with collective improvisation - guiding the listener through a compelling narrative from start to finish. With a seamless blend of structure and freedom, Calima keeps audiences engaged with every twist and turn. Like the warm, sand-carrying winds that inspired their name, Calima blurs boundaries and transforms shapes, offering a fresh, fluid, and captivating take on contemporary jazz.
EVAN’S SUPER DUPER GROUP & FUN
Carolina Gemmell – Voice
Evan van der Feen – Piano
David Guerreiro – Double Bass
Ludvig Holde Søndergaard – Drums
Evan’s Super Duper Group & Fun is an Amsterdam-based quartet led by the visionary Evan van der Feen. Having stolen his band members from their homes in Denmark and Spain, Evan reshapes the impossible into the possible. Tolerating nothing less than perfection, together they go out on a journey to fight with smite and lose it in the music.
BANDS
SONERIOS
Ben Bley – Trumpet
Evan van der Feen – Piano
Anton Tuxen – Electric Bass
Ludvig Søndergaard – Drums
Sonerios is a band formed to ignite the ears, the mind and the behind; mixing groove, free-jazz and electronics to electrify the audience. With influences from Herbie Hancock to Thom Yorke, Sonerios will take you into a captivating world where intuition and sound takes the front seat. The band consists of four strong voices that blend beautifully while still taking their own space over the of compositions by Anton Tuxen.
FEDERICO CAMPANELLO QUARTET
Lachy Hamilton – Tenor Sax
Alberto Romanillos – Trumpet
Federico Campanello – Double Bass
Giacomo Camilletti – Drums
Federico Campanello Quartet is a jazz quartet formed in Amsterdam within the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, driven by bassist and bandleader Federico Campanello’s passion for harmony-less soundscapes. Embracing a raw and open musical approach, the group explores dynamic interplay and rhythmic freedom. The quartet features Lachy Hamilton on tenor sax, Alberto Romanillos on Trumpet, Federico Campanello on double bass, and Giacomo Camilletti on drums.
WAZO BEAN
Carolina Gemmell – Voice and Acoustic Guitar
Yam Anisimov – Electric Guitar
Aniol Torrents – Double Bass
Guy Abada – Drums
WAZO BEAN is a five-piece experimental soul band based in Amsterdam. Fascinated by nature, by all other ways of being, WAZO BEAN brings soulful, intimate songs into buzzing, multi-layered life with a groove-based, raw, animal attitude.
Semi-Finals
JURY SEMI-FINALS
Lydia van Dam
Lydia van Dam studied at the Hilversum Conservatorium with Jerry van Rooyen, Marjorie Barnes, Greetje Kauffeld, Deborah Brown and Gé Titulaer. Even as a student she already performed with renowned orchestras, such as the WDR Big Band conducted by Jerry van Rooyen, the Skymasters and the Metropole Orchestra. With the Glenn Miller Revival Orchestra she toured Europe and Japan for two years. Lydia is a voice teacher at the conservatories of Amsterdam and Utrecht.
Lucas van Merwijk
Lucas van Merwijk has been at the forefront of the European jazz, latin and percussion scene for over 25 years. He works as a drummer and percussionist with numerous groups and artists in the Netherlands and Europe.
Koen Nederstigt
Koen Nederstigt studied Musicology at the University of Amsterdam, specializing in jazz and music cognition. During his studies, he was active as a programmer for a fringe festival in Leiden, completed an internship at a record label in Amsterdam, and volunteered at various festivals including ITGWO, Summerjazz, and the Grachtenfestival. Koen has been involved with the North Sea Jazz Festival for many years as a programming assistant and advises the programming team, particularly on the new generation of jazz musicians.
Tineke Postma
Saxophonist and composer Tineke Postma, Rising Star for soprano saxophone in the American Downbeat Polls 2019, tours internationally as a leader and featured guest. She released seven albums as a leader, which have been received with great critical international acclaim. Tineke appears on numerous albums as a guest soloist.
Harmen Fraanje
Harmen Fraanje is a Dutch pianist, composer, and educator known for his improvisational style. He leads and co-leads multiple projects, including his solo work, Reijseger Fraanje Sylla, and collaborations with artists like Arve Henriksen and Magic Malik. Active in the European jazz scene, he has performed with Mats Eilertsen, Eric Vloeimans, and Michael Moore. His recordings appear on ECM, Winter & Winter, and more. As chairman of the Jazz Piano Faculty at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, he also teaches workshops across Europe.
PRESENTER SEMI-FINALS
Anna-Maria Nitschke
Anna-Maria Nitschke is the senior producer and study advisor at the jazz department of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Nitschke holds master’s degrees in jazz voice (Conservatorium van Amsterdam) and Business Administration in the Arts (Global Leaders Institute). Next to her work at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam she serves as a curator, advisor and jury member for several art foundations and jazz competitions.
PRIZES SEMI-FINALS
Both finalists: €1.250,-
Incentive prize: €750,-
Audience Prize: Studio day at the CvA (one winner per semi-final)
All semi-finalists received coaching by a CvA faculty member of their choice.
Concept Development
Conservatorium van Amsterdam & Keep an Eye Foundation
Production & PR
Anna-Maria Nitschke, Bas van Otterloo, Nicole van Hoeve
Recording engineer
Ido Zilberman
Live sound engineer
Nils Feenstra & Arjan Arwert
Graphic design
Peter te Bos (Twizter)
Printed matter
De Bondt, Drukwerkdeal
Many thanks to the Bimhuis, Amsterdam
The following prestigious music schools of the United States and Europe will compete against each other in the Keep an Eye International Jazz Award 2025:
Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya, Barcelona
The Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (ESMUC) is the only official public institution that offers a Higher Degree in Music in Catalonia. During the school year, many activities take place at the ESMUC, such as concerts, conferences and master classes open to both the ESMUC community and the external public. During June and July, summer courses are offered, aimed at a wider audience. The school is also committed to the advanced training of young people between the ages of 8 and 17 with high musical abilities through its ESMUC Junior program. The fact that students from very diverse fields come together in ESMUC, from more than 25 countries, makes the experience of studying at the school very enriching, and contributes to making it one of the most requested destinations tendered by Erasmus students.
Berklee Global Jazz Institute, Boston
The Berklee Global Jazz Institute (BGJI) at Berklee College of Music is a groundbreaking program that enhances jazz through artistic, creative, and intercultural exploration. Emphasizing artistic excellence, global awareness, social responsibility, and innovation, BGJI offers a unique Pan-Afro-American perspective on jazz history, reflecting a modern shift in music education. With Danilo Pérez as its artistic director, the BGJI fosters creativity and musicianship across various musical disciplines. It provides a vibrant environment for students to push their creative boundaries, use music to make a positive societal impact, and connect their artistry with the natural world.
Manhattan School of Music, New York
The School is dedicated to the personal, artistic, and intellectual development of aspiring musicians, from its Precollege students through those pursuing doctoral studies. Offering classical, jazz, and musical theatre training, MSM grants a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. True to MSM’s origins as a music school for children, the Precollege Division is a professionally oriented Saturday music program dedicated to the musical and personal growth of talented young musicians ages 5 to 18. The School also serves some 2.000 New York City schoolchildren through its Arts-in-Education Program, and another 2.000 students through its critically acclaimed Distance Learning Program.
NTNU Bachelor in Performing Music - Jazz, Trondheim
The bachelor’s program in performing music, jazz, is a three-year course. All types of instrumentalists and vocalists can apply. Work with the main instrument and ear is central throughout the course, which also contains other subjects such as jazz history, arrangement/ composition, theory and music technology. Ensemble playing and entrepreneurship are important elements in the education course, which form the basis for a future life as a musician. The program is also known as “Jazzlinja”, and many our former students excel at national and international levels. After completing a bachelor’s degree, it is possible to gain teaching competence by taking a one-year practical-pedagogical education (PPU), as well as applying for admission to our master’s program in performing music or the European Jazz Master (EUJAM). In total we have 45 students and admit 14-15 new students every year.
Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Amsterdam
The Conservatorium van Amsterdam is deeply committed to excellence in education, performance and creative activity and to the cultural enrichment of the larger community. A premier international conservatory, we inspire and empower highly talented individuals to realize their potential. For this, we offer bachelor’s and master’s degree courses in classical, jazz and popular music, a Music in Education program and the National program for young top talents. The main purpose of the Jazz program is to educate young, gifted students to become strong, independent and original musicians, who can perform, teach and write and above all shape their own musical future. The educational program, the faculty members, and a dynamic environment guarantee that those who are admitted can optimally develop their personal qualities. The rich cultural resources in Amsterdam, one of the leading musical centers of Europe, and specifically designed new building with four concert halls and high-quality facilities all contribute to an optimal setting.
ENSEMBLE 1
ESMUC Quintet
(Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya, Barcelona)
Cristopher Pérez – Tenor Sax
Paco Fernández – Trumpet
Biel Roca – Piano
David Muñoz – Double Bass
Eloy Mañogil – Drums
The ESMUC Quintet is a dynamic ensemble of rising jazz musicians, each bringing a unique voice and deep musical background. Formed in Barcelona, the group blends tradition and modernity, drawing from a wide range of influences. Tenor saxophonist Cristopher Pérez, originally from the Canary Islands, crafts a distinctive sound inspired by jazz greats like Lester Young and Mark Turner. Trumpeter Paco Fernández, with a strong classical foundation, explores jazz with mentors like Joan Mar Sauqué and Joe Magnarelli. Pianist Biel Roca, an awardwinning musician, brings sensitivity and depth honed at ESMUC. Double bassist David Muñoz, a festival veteran, has shared the stage with top artists, including Félix Rossy. Drummer Eloy Mañogil, rooted in both classical and modern music, adds rhythmic complexity influenced by legends like Brian Blade.
ENSEMBLE 2
Berklee Global Jazz Ambassadors
(Berklee Global Jazz Institute, Boston)
Samuel Cerra – Vibraphone
Liz Sinn – Piano
Devon Gates – Double Bass
Seba Ramirez – Drums
The Berklee Global Jazz Ambassadors is an ensemble of forward-thinking musicians who push the boundaries of jazz through innovation, cultural fusion, and masterful improvisation. Representing the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, this group embodies the spirit of exploration and collaboration. Bassist and vocalist Devon Gates, with experience at Harvard and Berklee, has performed at top festivals alongside jazz luminaries. Drummer Seba Ramírez, known for his eclectic style, blends jazz with Paraguayan and contemporary influences, expanding the possibilities of rhythm. Pianist Liz Sinn is a versatile performer and composer whose collaborations span jazz, Latin, pop, and musical theater. Vibraphonist Samuel Cerra brings a pianistic approach to his instrument, crafting expressive and harmonically rich narratives.
FINAL April 16
ENSEMBLE 3
Kollage (Manhattan School of Music, New York)
Sarahfina Osei – Voice
Cameron Sewell-Snyder – Alto saxophone
Olivier van Niekerk – Guitar
Shogo Yamagishi – Bass
Kabelo Mokhatla – Drums
Kollage is a collective of international jazz musicians dedicated to blending diverse influences into a bold, contemporary sound. Formed in New York City, the band brings together artists from across the globe, each with a distinct musical voice shaped by deep-rooted traditions and forward-thinking innovation. Saxophonist Cameron Sewell-Snyder fuses American and European jazz elements, drawing from his mentorship under Dick Oatts and Jaleel Shaw.
Vocalist Sarahfina Osei brings a rich, soulful presence, seamlessly weaving jazz, composition, and production. Guitarist Olivier van Niekerk, deeply influenced by the European jazz scene, adds intricate textures shaped by his experiences in Amsterdam and Paris. Bassist Shogo Yamagishi provides a dynamic and versatile foundation, anchoring the ensemble’s sound. Drummer Kabelo Mokhatla, with an expansive career spanning South Africa to New York, infuses the band with rhythmic depth and creative energy.
ENSEMBLE 4
Moon Inhabitants
(NTNU Bachelor in Performing Music - Jazz, Trondheim)
Åsne Fossmark – Saxophone
Mikkel Dahl Amundsen – Trumpet
Sondre Moshagen – Piano
Johannes Wilhelm Burns Lykkås – Double Bass
Jørgen Fiske – Drums and Percussion
Moon Inhabitants is a quintet with a playful and spontaneous approach to written composition, and a philosophy that anything goes. Dynamic extremes are in focus and the music is inspired by 60´s free jazz, with modern inflictions. The result is high energy, unpredictable improvisation, and playful naivety.
ENSEMBLES 5 & 6
Winners Semi-Finals CvA
PRIZES INTERNATIONAL FINAL
Keep an Eye International Jazz Award (sculpture design by Jules Bernard)
First Prize: € 3.000,-
Second Prize: € 2.000,-
Incentive Prize: € 1.000,-
Best ‘Billie Holiday’ arrangement: € 1.000,-
Audience Prize: studio time worth €1000,-
Best CvA soloist: participation in the Siena Jazz International Summer Workshop 2025
Best non-CvA soloist: participation in the KaE Summer Jazz Workshop 2025, Amsterdam
FINAL April 16
JURY FINAL
Frank van Berkel
Since 2018, Frank van Berkel has been the programmer at BIMHUIS. A former performer in bands like Nine Tobs and the Schismatics, he previously programmed for Jazz International Rotterdam (2006–2017) and Lux Nijmegen. He also coached young musicians and served as financial director of the New Rotterdam Jazz Orchestra.
Zack Lober
Zack Lober is a Netherlands-based bassist and composer. He co-founded the jazz group "The Story" and leads The Ancestry Project, blending music and video with turntables. His trio NO FILL3R, featuring Sun-Mi Hong and Suzan Veneman, will record its second album in April 2025.
Maite Hontelé
A Dutch trumpeter, built a renowned Latin music career in Colombia, performing with legends like Rubén Blades and Gilberto Santa Rosa. A Latin Grammy nominee, she returned to the flugelhorn in 2023 and started conducting the NJJO. She also hosts music programs on Dutch TV.
Jonas Burgwinkel
Jonas Burgwinkel is an internationally acclaimed jazz drummer known for his innovative style, blending classic jazz with avant-garde improvisation. Winner of prestigious awards like the ECHO JAZZ and WDR Jazzpreis, he has recorded over 50 albums and performed worldwide with legends like John Scofield, Chris Potter, and Uri Caine.
Michelle Kuypers
Michelle is Program manager and Talent buyer at North Sea Jazz/MOJO, responsible for programming, talent buying, Paul Acket Award, Composition Project, Look and Feel, Art Expo. Also: concert promoting and jazz bookings at Dutch clubs and festivals throughout the year.
PRESENTER FINAL
Giovanca
Giovanca’s solo debut album ‘Subway Silence’ was released in 2008 and she received a Golden Record for this. Afterwards, a second and third album ‘While I’m Awake’ and ‘Satellite Love’ were released. She won several prizes, including a Buma Zilveren Harp, the Laren Jazz Award and a 3FM Serious Talent Award. She presented the music program Vrije Geluiden on television until the end of 2019. She also presented the TV program ‘Amazing Grace’ and last year the program ZING! on NPO1! On Friday evenings she has her own radio show ‘The Evening of 5’ on NPO Radio5.
BAND COACHES
Jonas Burgwinkel
Jonas Burgwinkel is a renowned jazz drummer known for his unique style, blending classic jazz with avant-garde improvisation. He has won numerous awards, including the ECHO JAZZ 2012, WDR and SWR Jazz Prizes, and the Best Soloist Award at the North Sea Jazz Festival. With over 50 recordings and extensive media appearances, his influence extends globally. Burgwinkel has collaborated with
jazz greats such as John Scofield, Chris Potter, Uri Caine, Dave Liebman, and Lee Konitz. He is a core member of the internationally acclaimed Pablo Held Trio and co-founded the Cologne-based jazz collective KLAENG, where he supports concerts, networking, and an independent label. Since 2011, he has served as a Professor of Jazz Drums at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köl. ■
BAND COACHES
Ben van Gelder
Ben van Gelder (1988) is regarded internationally as an authority on the alto saxophone. Peers and critics alike praise him for his unique sound, lyricism and personal approach to composition. His music is firmly rooted in jazz tradition but embraces many other musical genres and disciplines. Visual art in particular plays a prominent role in his musical practice and often serves as a framework for his writing.
Van Gelder won multiple awards such as the Deloitte Jazz Award, the Gold Award,
granted by the National Endowment for Advancement in the Arts and the Princess Christina Concours as a duo with his brother Gideon. Most recently, Ben van Gelder was commissioned by the BIMHUIS in Amsterdam for their first ever composition assignment. Besides leading his own quartet, Van Gelder frequently performs with guitarist Reinier Baas. They released SMASH HITS (a live registration of their performance with the Metropole Orkest) and Mokum in Hi-Fi. Ben currently resides in The Netherlands and is on faculty at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. ■
ARE YOU A /LOOKING FOR A
Are you a student or alumnus at one the many Dutch Art Institutes? Would you like to collaborate with another student or alumnus from another Dutch Art Institution?
Submit your project at makerzoektmaker.nl & find your match!
Every SIX MONTHS financial support up to €3.500,-!
KEEP AN EYE FOUNDATION
Jazz, fine arts, film, photography, design, fashion...
The Keep an Eye Foundation is always ‘on the lookout’ for aspiring young talent, such as musicians, artists, photographers, designers, filmmakers, and performing and circus artists. By providing grants, together with the chance of winning prizes, and by co-organising a number of shows and festivals, we enable the aspiring young talent not just to develop their skills, creating new opportunities, but also to achieve their creative goals. The Keep an Eye Foundation additionally focuses on collaborations between different creative disciplines This way we encourage students to view their work from a new perspective.
www.keepaneye.nl / www.galeriepouloeuff.nl
CALENDAR JAZZ DEPARTMENT
spring/summer 2025
April 10
April 12
April 16
April 16
April 17
May & June
June 23 – 27
Masterclasses Reggie Washington/ David Gilmore/ Gene Lake
12 Hours of Jazz, CvA
Masterclass Jonas Burgwinkel, CvA
Keep an Eye International Jazz Award Final, Bimhuis
CvA Big Band conducted by Ilja Reijngoud, CvA
Bachelor and Master final exam concerts
Keep an Eye Summer Jazz Workshop 2025, CvA
For more information see our concert calendar: www.conservatoriumvanamsterdam.nl
CvA Online is the online extension of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Crafted as an interactive video program, CvA Online offers you a structured and monitored learning path that will bring you the same passion for music that we share every day in our classrooms. Our online courses are the result of decades of teaching experience and are taught by the same renowned instructors that teach at the Conservatory of Music of Amsterdam.
For more information see www.cvaonline.nl