„Riga Jazz Stage 2016” has concluded

Riga Jazz Stage 2016 took place from 6th to 9th of April in cinema „Splendid Palace” and music hall „Daile”. 27 young artists from 16 countries participated in the contest’s two categories – „Jazz vocal” and „Jazz trombone”. „Grand Prix” winner in category „Jazz vocal” is Erik Leuthauser (Germany) and Robinson Khoury (France) in category „Jazz trombone”.
 
In category „Jazz vocal” Sabina Mustaeva (Uzbekistan) took the 2nd place, but Līva Dumpe (Latvia) – the 3rd. In category „Jazz trombone” 2nd place was awarded to Burak Dursun (Turkey), and 3rd to Polina Tarasenko (Ukraine).
 
The winner of the „Grand Prix” – Erik Leuthauser and Robinson Khoury – received money prize of 1500 EUR and glass artist’s Artis Nīmanis statuettes as well. Second and third place winners received money prizes of 1000 and 700 EUR.
 
The special prize of 1000 EUR from the famous Latvian composer Raimonds Pauls was awarded to Sabina Mustaeva. She also received the Audience Choice award granted by one of the cooperation partners of the contest – „Tele2”.

The prize for the best improvisation was given to Robinson Khoury (France) who received a new trombone – „Jiggs pBone”. But Polina Tarasenko (Ukraine) received a special sourdine hand made of linden tree.

The winners of the contest also received exclusive invitations to perform in festivals and jazz clubs. Robinson Khoury and Polina Tarasenko were invited to perform in „Rīgas Ritmi Festival”, Līva Dumpe was invited to perform with „Estonian Dream Big band” in festival „Jazz Time” in Estonia, and also in festival „Saxophonia” which takes place in Latvia. Sabina Mustaeva was invited to festival „Kaunas Jazz”, but Erik Leuthauser was invited to perform at the „Nardis jazz club” (Istanbul).