During the finals of the Conservatorium Talent Awards on Saturday, May 10, two students from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) won prizes. Ketija Ringa Karahona, master's student of Flute Jazz, won the Mingus Prize for best composition. Berend van Deelen, bachelor's student Arranging Jazz, won the Ruud Bos Challenge. We congratulate Ketija and Berend on this special achievement!
Mingus Prize for Ketija Ringa Karahona
The Mingus Prize, named after jazz legend Charles Mingus, is awarded to the most promising composer. Ketija Ringa Karahona won this prize with her composition New Blues. The jury praised Ringa Karahona for the subtle, balanced and dynamic structure of her composition: “This work has a mysterious hypnotic power, giving it the feeling almost of a ritual. With sparse elements, space is provided for the music to breathe.”
Ruud Bos Challenge for Berend van Deelen
The Ruud Bos Challenge, established in memory of composer, pianist and arranger Ruud Bos, who passed away in 2023, went to Berend van Deelen. His winning arrangement Moments was performed live by the Paradox Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Lode Mertens. The jury praised the arrangement that took the original to a higher level: “In this colorful arrangement, the soloists get the chance to show their best side.”
PJO residency
Ketija and Berend have been automatically selected as Composer in Residence and Arranger in Residence with the Paradox Jazz Orchestra due to their winnings. As part of this new residency program, they will attend one-year workshops in big band technique and jazz arranging. They will also receive personal guidance from top musicians and conductor Jasper Staps in further developing their work, which will be heard regularly at concerts of the PJO starting this summer.
Conservatorium Talent Awards
The Conservatorium Talent Award (CTA) is a unique musical jazz competition, which offers a stage to up-and-coming talent in various disciplines. The jury consists of leading professionals from the jazz scene. They judge the finalists on their instrument mastery, compositional strength, ensemble playing, creativity and stage presence. More information about this year's edition can be found here.