27th International jazz contest for youth orchestras Jazz Hoeilaart Belgium 23-24-25 September 2005

sponsoring VRT

Albert Michiels' photo by Jos Knaepen

THE 2005 RULES (in PDF format) 2004 program Honours list, 1979 todate Brussels Jazz Orchestra Compositon Contest 2004 DISCOGRAPHY (albums featuring the winners) CONTACT : Jazz Hoeilaart Intrn'l - Mr. Albert Michiels, Jezus-Eiksesteenweg 47 1560 Hoeilaart Belgium Tel. & Fax : 32-2-657.09.76 / E-mail : albert.michiels@pandora.be

Each year, since 27 years now, when the grapes of the region are getting ripe, it's time for another jazz contest. Usually last week of September the finalist groups gather in Hoeilaart for the big contest. A long time standing tradition as natural as the harvest. Jazz Hoeilaart began in 1979 - within the framework of the annual festival of grapes and wine - with the intention of making better known the considerable talents of young jazz-musicians (under 30 years old). In the beginning groups solely from Belgium and the Netherlands sent in their applications. Since then this initiative has evolved into one of the most important international contests. Between 1979 and 2001 the organisers received in total 1334 entries from more than 50 countries; during the past 23 years, 208 groups have taken part in the Contest. When we consider that the first prizes have been awarded to contestants from all the following countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Finland, Poland, Israel, Sweden, Russia, USA, Denmark, Canada, Germany, Hungary and Italy, we can look back on a rich international tradition. Moreover,the co-production between "Jazz Vlaanderen" and the cultural Assoc. "De Rand" has, since 1999, contributed to the international expansion of our contest. In this way, the Contest ensures year after year that the performances of young jazz-musicians contribute to the cultural development and the future of our society.