The very first edition of the competition was held in 1964, i.e. during the first edition of the festival. At that time, the band award went to both Jazz Band Ball and Ryszard Kruza Quartet. The following years saw the emergence of additional categories, e.g. for a soloist, singer, composer. On more than one occasion, an honourable mention in the competition of the Jazz nad Odrą festival helped young musicians start their careers, and this aspect has remained its part to this day. Winning the Grand Prix of the Wojtek Siwek Jazz Individuality Contest continues to draw attention from the music industry and help artists break through on the jazz scene. The main prize is also 25 thousand zlotys funded by the Mayor of Wroclaw and a statuette of Rybotrąbka. Every year there are also more and more new awards given in individual categories by music associations, media patrons and even jury members themselves.
The competition is open to musicians who are under 30, were not Grand Prix or individual prize winners of the competition in previous years, and at least half of the lineup of performers have Polish citizenship. In order to participate they have to submit to the Selection Committee 3 compositions with a time limit of up to about 20 minutes for evaluation, and one of these must be based on the form: rhythm changes or blues. Applications may be sent until 18 March 2024. The selected artists will perform on 23 April during the final auditions which are part of this year’s programme. The Grand Prix winner will play in front of the festival audience the following day.
The jubilee edition of the Jazz nad Odrą festival will be held in Wroclaw on 23-28 April at three locations: Impart Centrum, Firlej and Vertigo Jazz Club & Restaurant.
Regulations and detailed rules for participation in the competition may be found: HERE
