The best students from eight Dutch conservatories entered the stage of the Azijnfabriek in ‘s-Hertogenbosch on Saturday, May 10, for the finals of the Conservatory Talent Award (CTA) 2025. After an exciting competition, not only the prestigious prize for the best jazz musician, but also the Mingus Prize for composition and the Ruud Bos Challenge for arrangement were awarded. These two talents will participate in a new and unique residency program with the Paradox Jazz Orchestra.

The jury, consisting of leading professionals from the jazz scene, judged the finalists on their instrument mastery, compositional strength, ensemble playing, creativity and stage presence. The Conservatory Talent Award 2025 went to vibraphonist Antonin Jaccard of the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, who convinced both the jury and the audience with an impressive performance. Jury chairman Aad van Nieuwkerk: “Jaccard presents a very convincing and colorful concert and daring solo work. He communicates and really connects with the audience.”

In addition to the title, Jaccard will receive a cash prize of €5,000, made available by the North Brabant Cultural Fund, to be spent on such things as further study or recording a debut album. The vibraphonist will also perform on Saturday, June 7, at 6:15 p.m. on the Kerkplein stage during Jazz in Duketown, which will take place from June 6 to 8, 2025, on various stages in downtown Bossche.

Mingus Prize and Ruud Bos Challenge
The Mingus Prize, named after jazz legend Charles Mingus and intended for the most promising composer, was awarded to Ketija Ringa Karahona of the Conservatory of Amsterdam for the 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, making it feel almost like a ritual. With sparse elements, space is provided for the music to breathe.”

The Ruud Bos Challenge, established in memory of the composer, pianist and arranger who died in 2023, went to Berend van Deelen. The winning arrangement Moments was performed live by the Paradox Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Lode Mertens. The jury praised the arrangement that lifted the original to a higher level: “In this colorful arrangement, the soloists get the chance to show their best side.”

Two talents selected for PJO residency
The winners of the Mingus Prize and the Ruud Bos Challenge have been automatically selected as Composer in Residence and Arranger in Residence with the Paradox Jazz Orchestra. 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.

Structural boost for young jazz craftsmanship
The residency program is made possible by the North Brabant Cultural Fund and the Mingus Fund, a Named Culture Fund for jazz and improvised music. “With this program, we are investing in a new generation of composers and arrangers who can permanently enrich the jazz landscape,” said Jan Speelman of the North Brabant Cultural Fund. “We are proud to support these top talents in a crucial phase of their development.”

Photos: Wim Roelsma