Once again, Åsa’s music course has showcased its musical talent at the Blue House Youth Jazz Festival. Over the weekend, the musicians brought home two fine awards.

In recent academic years, Åsa’s music course has made a name for itself at the prestigious festival in Stockholm – and this year was no exception.

Two out of three on the podium
In this weekend’s Swedish Jazz Final at Stockholm Concert Hall, three of Åsa’s ensembles took part in the folk high school category. Two of the groups were awarded prizes.

Uno Sextett won second prize, with the jury’s motivation:
“For an interaction beyond the ordinary, where every contribution was marked by sensitivity, balance, and musical presence. The well-crafted arrangements served as a natural platform for both soloists and the ensemble as a whole to flourish.”

Origo won third prize:
“For a dazzling interplay and a very well-rehearsed performance where every detail felt carefully considered without losing spontaneity. The solid and attentive foundation created generous space for the soloists to take the spotlight, express themselves freely, and at the same time lift the whole.”

Clips to listen to
On the music course’s Facebook page, several clips from the festival can be heard:

• In the first clip, Uno Sextett perform “Flower”, written by Jenny Appelquist and Charlie Jansson, during the competition in the Concert Hall’s Grünewald Hall.
• In the second clip, Origo perform “How Do I Know if a Goldfish is Happy?”.
• In the third clip, 2 Kvint 1 perform “Stuck in a Wheel”, written by Ella Almfors and Theodor Björk.
• In the fourth clip, Lavin performs their arrangement of “Summertime” during their concert in the foyer at KMH.
• In the fifth clip, Atmos present their interpretation of Esperanza Spalding’s “She Got to You” from their concert in Svarta Lådan at KMH.

For young musicians
The Blue House Youth Jazz Festival is an annual jazz festival for young adults and adult students from across the country. Åsa’s entire music course took part.

On the Friday and Saturday, the course participants attended several workshops and concerts at both the Concert Hall and KMH. The course ensembles also performed at KMH on Saturday evening.