The semi-finalists featured six outstanding acts: The Sage Trio with Anne-Roos Broekhuizen, Eñaut Armentia Quartet, Paper Blue with Francisco Rodríguez Lisbona, George Hytiroglou Sextet, AYÊ with Inês Kosters, and Jakob Sedmak Quartet.
The prestigious annual competition, organized by Codarts in collaboration with the main sponsor Nedspice, the Friends of Codarts Foundation, and Lantaren Venster, continues to provide a platform for the brightest emerging jazz talents.
The jury, comprising Bart Wirtz (saxophonist, composer, and former Erasmus Jazz Prize winner), Mijke Loeven (director of BIMHUIS), and Marieke Meischke (writer, coach, curator, and FPK advisor), had the challenging task of selecting the finalists from an outstanding pool of semi-finalists. Their expertise and thoughtful deliberation highlighted the exceptional quality of the performances.
The finalists for the Erasmus Jazz Prize 2025 are:
• AYÊ with Inês Kosters
• George Hytiroglou Sextet
• Paper Blue with Francisco Rodríguez Lisbona
Each of these finalists impressed the jury with their originality, creativity, and skill, earning them a spot in the finals. The winners of the Erasmus Jazz Prize 2025 will be determined during the finals event:
Finals Information
• Date: March 9, 2025
• Time: 14:30h
• Location: Lantaren Venster, Rotterdam
"As the jury, we were all deeply impressed by the incredibly high level of the musicians competing in the semi-finals. Besides that, I guess it's typical of Codarts Rotterdam—the diversity of styles was immense, which appealed to both the jury and the audience," said jury member Bart Wirtz.
The Erasmus Jazz Prize is more than a competition; it is a celebration of innovation, artistry, and community within the jazz scene. It continues to foster the next generation of jazz musicians, offering them a platform to showcase their talent and take significant steps in their musical careers.
Codarts congratulates the finalists and thanks all participants for their inspiring performances during the semi-finals. Special appreciation goes to the jury members for their dedication and to our valued partners – Nedspice, the Friends of Codarts Foundation, and Lantaren Venster – for making this event possible.
About the Erasmus Jazz Prize
The Erasmus Jazz Prize, now in its 29th edition, is a cornerstone of Codarts’ commitment to nurturing young jazz talent. Each year, the competition identifies and supports emerging musicians, providing them with the opportunity to perform, grow, and connect with the broader jazz community. The finalists of this competition often go on to achieve remarkable success in the jazz world.
