Monk Institute - 2008 Jazz Saxophone Competition

Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Announces 2008 International Jazz Saxophone Competition Semifinalists

Twelve of the World’s Most Talented Young Musicians Compete in Oct. 25 Semifinals at Schoenberg Hall and Oct. 26 Finals at the Kodak Theatre; Judges Include Jane Ira Bloom, Jimmy Heath, Greg Osby, David Sanchez and Wayne Shorter

(Los Angeles, Calif.) — The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz today announced the semifinalists in the 21st annual Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, regarded as the world’s most prestigious jazz competition, to be held on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 1–5 p.m. at Schoenberg Hall on the UCLA campus.

This year’s competition will feature the saxophone. Twelve of the most outstanding young saxophonists from across the globe will compete for more than $50,000 in scholarships and prizes in front of an esteemed panel of judges including Wayne Shorter, Jimmy Heath, Greg Osby, Jane Ira Bloom, and David Sanchez. The event is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. For information, visit www.monkinstitute.org or call 310-284-8200.

The 2008 semifinalists are David DeJesus (N.Y.), Quamon Fowler (Texas), Tim Green (Md.), Alex Hoffman (N.Y.), Jon Irabagon (N.Y.), Jason Marshall (N.Y.), Troy Roberts (Australia), Joris Roelofs (native of France), Gilad Ronen (Israel), Evan Schwam (N.Y.), Walter Smith (Calif.), Gian Tornatore (N.Y.).
Three contestants will move on to the Finals of the International Jazz Competition, to be held on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. Backed by an all-star house band, each finalist will perform one of his two selections accompanied by Grammy Award-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater.

The winner of the Competition will receive a $20,000 scholarship, second place a $10,000 scholarship and third place a $5,000 scholarship. For the first time, the winner will also be awarded a recording contract from Concord Music Group. The label plans to release the winner’s album in mid-2009.
“What an incredible opportunity Concord and the Institute are offering young musicians,” said Herbie Hancock, Institute Chairman and 2008 GRAMMY Album of the Year winner. “This is truly a visionary moment in the history of jazz and I am certain that this year’s winner, like many past winners, will have a significant impact on the future of music.”

Sherrise Rogers was also announced as the 2008 Thelonious Monk International Composer’s Competition winner. Sherrise will perform her winning composition, “Transitions,” and will be presented with a $10,000 grand prize for best demonstrating originality, creativity and excellence in jazz composition.

The Competition Finals will be immediately followed by a gala benefit concert honoring blues legend B.B. King featuring Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard, Robert Cray, George Duke, Keb’ Mo’, Wayne Shorter, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cassandra Wilson, Lee Ritenour, Poncho Sanchez, and many more in support of the Institute’s blues and jazz education programs. The 2008 Herbie Hancock Humanitarian Award will be presented to a deserving person who embodies the same humanitarian qualities that Hancock displays each and every day.

Tickets for “The Blues and Jazz: Two American Classics” gala concert and the International Jazz Saxophone Competition can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com, by calling 213-480-3232 or by visiting the Kodak Theatre box office. The concert is being presented by the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz in association with The Recording Academy® Los Angeles Chapter.

The Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition is recognized as the most significant event for identifying and launching the careers of young aspiring jazz artists. Finalists have included saxophonist Joshua Redman, pianists Marcus Roberts and Jacky Terrasson, vocalists Jane Monheit and Tierney Sutton, trumpeter Ryan Kisor, organist Joey DeFrancesco, and many others.

In 2007, Nigerian native Ambrose Akinmusire won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition. Athens, Greece, native Petros Sakelliou won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Composers Composition sponsored by BMI and performed his winning composition, “Swingalong.”
Since 1987, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz has presented the International Jazz Competition, each year awarding major scholarships and prizes to talented young musicians and composers. The scholarships help pay tuition for college-level jazz education studies and provide funds for private, specialized instruction.

The 2008 Competition instrument, the saxophone, was previously highlighted in 2002, 1996 and 1991. The Institute has most recently presented competitions for trumpet (2007), piano (2006), guitar (2005), and vocals (2004), along with trombone, bass, and drums.

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