“We could be proud of jazz movement explosion in Latvia”

International Jazz Artists Contest “Riga Jazz Stage 2017” will take place from April 6 – 8. Young and talented jazz artists from all around the world will compete in two categories: Jazz Vocal and Jazz Guitar. 

Contests’ Artistic Director – Māris Briežkalns – introduced this year contestants, young jazz artists from Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine and USA. He also admitted contests’ level is highly increased by the last few years. 
Contestants’ performances will be rated by world class music professionals – judging panel, which members will represent USA, China, Italy, Turkey, Lithuania, Estonia and United Kingdom. 

Mr. Briežkalns also highlighted the artist in residence of this year, the legendary jazz guitarist – Kurt Rosenwinkel, who will perform with a special project together with Latvian Radio Bigband on the stage at the very culmination of the contest. Artistic director also invited everyone to attend the Jam Sessions, which will take part in jazz club “Trompete” during the contests’ days. 

Maestro Raimonds Pauls admitted: “We could be proud of jazz movement explosion in Latvia.” He also complimented the growth and accomplishments of Latvian Radio Bigband. “Wishing everyone a marvelous mood, as it will be fascinating to listen to the new achievers,” – added Maestro. He will also give away his own sympathy prize of 1000 EUR to one of the contestants. Who will it be? We would know on April 8, on the Award Ceremony of Riga Jazz Stage 2017.

“Art of improvisation is as much important in jazz as it is in business, that is why I am delighted TELE2 is supporting both festival "Rīgas Ritmi" for more than 20 years, and contest “Riga Jazz Stage” since its’ beginning. We are so inspired of the contests’ audience’s desire to listen to the excellent music, we will present a special webpage to vote for your favorite. At the award ceremony we will present the prize the sympathy prize – a high-class smartphone, and in case the winner would be from Latvia, TELE2 will also pay for the mobile communications for a year. I wish good luck to each and every contestant, especially those from Latvia, who are increasing the level of jazz music genre not only in Latvia, but also abroad!” – told the chairman of the TELE2 broad, Valdis Vancovičs.

“It’s an honor for us to be together with the contest for all these years. We are proud, that both contestants’ level, contests’ popularity and quality is increasing by each year. We are also very appreciating the work of organizators, which has given it’s  benefits, ”- said Plc. OLAINFARM member of the broad, Salvis Lapiņš.
“This year Viktors Ritovs, Edvīns Ozols, Kristaps Lubovs and I myself will be a part of Riga Jazz Quartet. Each year submitted music pieces are getting more and more comlex, which we are very happy about. We will try to do our very best.” – commented Riga Jazz Quartet representative, Artis Orubs.

Contestants Linards Šveklis and Rihards Goba admitted they consider participating in the contest more as a concert with a great international background. Looking for more connections, inspiration and energy, fascinating atmosphere and gorgeous concerts.

Contests’ Director, Diāna Briežkalne, thanked contests’ supporters „Royal Hotel Riga” for a successfully launched cooperation and support. 


Tickets to the contests’ concerts are available at all “Biļešu Paradīze”, and on the web: www.bilesuparadize.lv