Sena Performers International Laureate Festival 2024

The Laureate Festival showcases World Jazz artists and bands from all over the world in full-fledged concerts, kickstarting their international career. This year’s line-up features outstanding artists from the Czech Republic, Sicily (IT), Spain, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, South Africa, Indonesia, Thailand and Australia. The complete line-up for the Laureate Festival is now available online.

Thursday August 15

Friday August 16

Saturday August 17

Sunday August 18

Thursday August 15

Amersfoort World Jazz Festival Presents: Femke Mooren Quartet (NL)

20:00 - 21:00
Theater de Lieve Vrouw

The Femke Mooren Quartet is an ensemble consisting of young Rotterdam musicians, founded by saxophonist and upcoming talent Femke Mooren. In addition to being a group of musicians on stage, they also form a close group of friends; and this is clearly noticeable in their interplay. The quartet plays melodic jazz in which emotions and life stories are interwoven that they want to convey to the audience. 

Mooren won the prestigious Princess Christina Jazz Competition in 2023. Since then, the young saxophonist has been working hard. The jury described the quartet and their music as “Beautifully clear, directly approachable own compositions, with room for all enterprising musicians. The band’s obvious chemistry is expressed dynamically. The music is very alert and balanced.” 

Lineup:
Femke Mooren – saxophone 
Eva Serrano Alarcon – double bass 
Kasyfi Kalyasyena – piano  
Laurens Buijs – drums 

Jazzinec Festival Presents: Herak/Bulatkin Quartet (CZ)

21:30 - 22:30
Theater de Lieve Vrouw

The Dutch vibraphonist of Czechoslovak origin, Miro Herak, joins forces with the Czech pianist Daniel Bulatkin in their brand new, unique project: the Herak/Bulatkin Quartet. The band’s music reflects the shared Central European roots of both leaders. They are heavily influenced by Slavic and Gypsy folklore, as well as impressionistic classical music and rhythms from the Balkans. Compositions by Herak and Bulatkin blend wild rhythms, lush soundscapes and strong, memorable melodies. This in combination with the characteristic sound of the vibraphone, light electronics and the use of extensive techniques on the double bass. All this makes the Herak/Bulatkin Quartet one of the most interesting new acts on the European jazz scene.

Lineup:
Daniel Bulatkin – piano 
Miro Herak – vibraphone 
Johannes Fend – double bass
Martin Hafizi – drums

Jazzplus presents: Hristina Beleva & Vassil Hadjigrudev (BG)

21:30 - 22:30
Sint Aegtenkapel

The Bulgarian duo of Hristina Beleva and Vasil Hadjigrudev has a special composition of double bass and gdulka, a traditional Bulgarian knee violin. The two musicians have different musical backgrounds but found each other in the special mix of these two instruments. Beleva and Hadjigrudev play original compositions and create a special journey that they like to take the audience on. The duo does not think in terms of separate musical styles, but mixes folklore, jazz or classical and is influenced by spontaneous improvisations. 
 
Lineup:
Hristina Beleva – gdulka 
Vasil Hadjigrudev – double bass 
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Friday August 16

Warta Jazz Presents: 
Vertigong ft. Anting (ID)

20:00 – 21:00
Theater de Lieve Vrouw

Vertigong transcends the boundaries of musical expression. This multi-faceted entity functions as both a repertoire and a distinctive group, carefully curated to create a unique identity in the vast landscape of artistic exploration and performance. Vertigong is not just a musical group; it is an experience that resonates with the heart and soul. With an unyielding commitment to pushing boundaries and a visionary leader at the helm, Vertigong invites a wide range of audiences to immerse themselves in a world where music knows no boundaries.
Lineup:
Purwanta – bonang
Paulus Neo – piano
Mohamad Farigh Dewanto – bass
Dimas Suryo Kencono – drums
Anting Retno Windhari Widodo – vocals

Huahin Jazz Festival presents: Takeshi band ft. Sanpond (TH)

21:30 – 22:30
Theater de Lieve Vrouw

The Takeshi band has been showing for years that it is the best fusion jazz band in Thailand. Led by renowned saxophonist Koh Mr Saxman. Koh is a versatile saxophonist, born and raised in Thailand. In 1990, Koh won the award for Best Outstanding Musician From Thailand Music Award Program. Since then, Koh has frequently played abroad. The saxophonist now has five solo albums to his name. This year the Takeshi band is joined by the ‘Endorsed Exceptional Talent’ of Huahin Jazz, the young saxophonist Eakpiya Sanpond. One of Sanpond’s greatest influences is the American saxophonist David Sandborn. This smooth jazz of course fits perfectly with the Takashi band, which will ensure that this concert is guaranteed to end in a party. 
Lineup:
Eakpiya Sanpond – saxophone 
Koh Mr. Saxman – saxophone 
Further line-up TBA 

Joy of Jazz presents: South African Jazz Celebration ft. Karlah Nhlamulo Rametsi & Nhlanhla Mahlangu (SA)

23:00 – 0:00
Theater de Lieve Vrouw

During the South African Jazz Celebration we will celebrate the rich jazz traditions from South Africa. Think of the music of South African jazz legends such as pianist Abdulah Ibrahim, double bassist Johnny Dyani and trombonist Jonas Gwangwa, but also more contemporary artists such as pianists Bokani Dyer and Nduduzo Makhathini. 
 
South African Jazz history is a rich mix of cultural influences. It is a story of struggle and resilience, as apartheid-era musicians used their voices to challenge social injustices. The music not only reflects South Africa’s history, but also its power to connect cultures and communities. 
Lineup:
Darren English – trumpet 
Titi Luzipo – vocals 
Thapelo Khumisi – piano 
Karlah Nhlamulo Rametsi – saxophone (Exceptional Endorsed Talent)
Nhlanhla Mahlangu – saxophone (Endorsed by the Hugh Masekela Foundation)
Marius Beets – bass
Gijs Dijkhuizen – drums
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Saturday August 17

Sicilia Jazz Festival Presents: 
Tribute to Chick Corea 
''My Spanish Heart'' (IT)

20:00 – 21:00
Theater de Lieve Vrouw

Pianist Chick Corea is considered among fellow jazz pianists as one of the most influential pianists of our time. Corea became known for his virtuosity and refined harmonic playing. His musical journey included collaborations with legendary artists such as Miles Davis, Return to Forever and his own Chick Corea Elektric Band. He has won several Grammy Awards and is recognized as a pioneer of jazz fusion and modern jazz.
 
During Amersfoort World Jazz Festival, the Sicilia Jazz Festival will present a special concert in tribute to Corea. In addition to a band filled with renowned Sicilian jazz musicians, the festival highlights singer Laura Sfilio as ‘endorsed exceptional talent’. 
Lineup:
Salvatore Bonafede – piano 
Laura Sfilio – vocals 
Fabio Lannino – bass guitar 
Francesco Foresta – drums 

Szczecin Jazz Presents: Sylwester Ostrowski & Dorrey Lin Lyles "One Voice” ft. Exceptional Talents Karolina Błachnia & Judyta Pisarczyk (PL)

21:30 -22:30 
Theater de Lieve Vrouw

Saxophonist Sylwester Owstrowski from Szczecin (Poland) is no longer unknown within the international jazz scene. The many collaborations and albums that resulted from these collaborations are proof of his great artistic abilities and insights. We see one of those collaborations live on stage here tonight. In this concert, Ostrowski will perform on stage with the widely talented American Gospel/soul singer Dorrey Lin Lyles and ‘Endorsed Exceptional Talents’ from Szczecin Jazz, singer Karolina Błachnia and singer Judyta Pisarczyk. This dynamic formation combines powerful jazz with romantic Polish music and blues to provide a unique new perspective. The powerful vocals of Dorrey Lin Lyles alternate with the warm sounds of Błachnia and Pisarczyk.

Lineup:
Dorrey Lin Lyles – vocals 
Judyta Pisarczyk – vocals 
Karolina Błachnia – vocals
Sylwester Ostrowski – saxophone 
Jakub Mizeracki – guitar 
TBA

Canary Jazz Festival Presents: La Local Jazz Band ft. Luis Merino (ES)

23:00 – 0:00
Theater de Lieve Vrouw

La Local Jazz Band was founded in 2008 by saxophonist Miguel Ramírez and jazz pianist Miqui Delgado to put the gigantic existing jazz repertoire on the Mediterranean map. Ramírez and Delgado have been involved in the international jazz scene for a long time. Together they have built up a unique repertoire of their own compositions over the years, inspired by the everyday nuances of life. With their latest album “Paisajes Sonoros” (sound scapes), La Local Jazz Band embarks on a new musical journey, of which we hope to hear much more. 
 
During the International Jazz Laureate Festival 2024, La Local Jazz Band will be joined by Exceptional Talent, guitarist Luis Merino. Merino, born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, combines funk, soul, rock and jazz into an explosive interplay. He recently recorded his debut album “Blacky”. 
Lineup:
Luis Merino – guitar 
Miguel Ramirez – saxophones 
Migui Delgado – piano 
José Carlos Cejudo – double bass 
Suso Vega – drums 
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Sunday August 18

Budapest Jazz Fest Presents: Lilla Orbay Quintet (HU)

13:00 – 14:00
Theater de Lieve Vrouw

Lilla Orbay is one of the most striking personalities of the young Hungarian jazz generation, who uses her musicality not only as a singer, but also as a composer and band leader. Her piano playing is also decisive in this formation, and her fusion with the instrument is most reminiscent of the character of Norah Jones. Most of the repertoire is characterized by her own compositions with a light but exciting tone. The form and structure of the pieces are mainly based on the melodic focus of the ’70s, but in contrast the band members’ unique improvisational vocabulary is added to the music.
Lineup:
Lilla Orbay – vocals, piano
Márton Stummer – guitar
Bruno Barakonyi – double bass
Ambrus Richter – drums
Patrik Sebestyén – trumpet

Babel Sound Presents:
Vertigo Collective (HU)

14:30 -15:30 
Theater de Lieve Vrouw

The Hungarian Vertigo Collective was founded in early 2020, creating a musical fusion of jazz and Hungarian folk music. Although they blend soundscapes of contemporary jazz into their own compositions, the band’s affinity for authentic folk music has always been an important factor in cultivating and keeping alive the tradition of Hungarian and Eastern European folk music. Vertigo Collective is presented by partner Babel Sound, a festival and culture platform that aims to be an interactive meeting point for diverse cultures and art forms, as well as for artists and their audiences.
Lineup:
Gergely Pázmándi – saxophone
Helga Debreczeni-Kis – zither 
Zoltán Hegyi – bass 
Márton Szilágyi – drums

Perth International Jazz Festival. Presents: Jamie Oehlers | Perth International Jazz Festival (AU)

16:00 – 17:00
Theater de Lieve Vrouw

Jamie Oehlers is one of Australia’s leading saxophonists. He has won numerous prizes, including the World Saxophone Competition at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, and has performed around the world at major festivals such as the JVC Jazz Festival in New York, the BBC London Jazz Festival and the Jazz Yatra in India. Oehlers also collaborated with international jazz legends such as Ari Hoenig, Aaron Goldberg, George Garzone, Charlie Haden and many more. He has released 14 albums as a bandleader, including his most recent recordings “Between the Lines of Stillness”, “Innocent Dreamer” and “The Burden of Memory”. For this concert, the Amersfoort World Jazz Festival has put together a special band to accompany Jamie, consisting of the crème de la crème of the Dutch jazz scene.

Jamie Oehlers – saxophone
Mitchell Damen – drums 
Steven Willem Zwanink – double bass
Piano – TBA  
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