The prestigious prize for up-and-coming jazz talent was again organised this year by art school Codarts Rotterdam, the Friends of Codarts Foundation and Nedspice. The presentation of the finals was in the hands of Maïmouna Rachels. The jury – Jasper Blom (teacher, Conservatorium van Amsterdam), Anette von Eichel (teacher, University of Music and Dance Cologne), Sigrid Paans (Conservatorium Maastricht) and Linda Bloemhard (Codarts) – announced the winner at the end of the afternoon.

During the final of the Erasmus Jazz Prize in the Eduard Flipse Zaal of De Doelen, Eleutheria competed against FLIM, Andrew Moreno Trio and Ishtar Quartet. The jury was deeply impressed by the quality of all the acts. But the band, led by Slovenian vocalist Teja Poljanšek, won over the jury with an impressive performance that convincingly told a story.

Main sponsor Nedspice has made a sum of €3,000 available for the winner, which is intended to give young jazz talent a push in the direction of the professional circuit of the international jazz scene. In the past, the prize proved to be a great stepping stone for a number of successful jazz musicians, including Jan van Duikeren, Bart Wirtz, Louk Boudesteijn, Rik Kraak and Stephanie Francke.