Successful cooperation can inspire by providing wider opportunities for improvement and development. One of the most versatile and long-lasting collaborations in Saulkrasti Jazz has been formed with the Austrian pianist, composer Markus Gottschilch.
Within the framework of this cooperation, several student exchange programs have been created, providing young musicians with the opportunity to participate in similar jazz music festivals and camps in the United States.
Victor Machin Quartet from Miami, USA participated in the XVIII Saulkrasti Jazz 2015 within the student exchange program, while in January 2016, Mareks Logins from Latvia, the winner of the Baltic Drummers League competition organized by Saulkrasti Jazz, got the opportunity to participate in the Miami Beach Jazz Festival, USA together with his group Sinkope .
The New Mexico Jazz Quartet (USA) participated in the XXII Saulkrasti Jazz 2019 student exchange program. In August of the same year, the winner of the Baltic Drummers League competition organized by Saulkrasti Jazz, Tuomas Rasanen / Lithuania / visited the New Mexico Jazz Festival / USA /.
As part of the student exchange program, pianist Karlīne Priedēna, Latvia had the opportunity to participate in remote masterclasses led by Kenny Barron, Chris Potter, Jazmela Horn, Billy Hart and many other world-renowned jazz musicians.
Traditionally, since 2016, the first day of the festival is dedicated to the students of the Baltic music academies and jazz departments. Listeners have a wonderful opportunity to take a look at the various directions of jazz music represented by music academy students from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
It should be emphasized that Monday’s concert is especially interesting and full of novelties!
Latvian Academy of Music
Estonian Academy of Music and Theater
Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theater
Of particular note is the collaboration with the Latvian Academy of Music, as students of the jazz department from the University of Omaha in Nebraska, USA UNO Jazz Combo took the stage at the XXII Saulkrasti Jazz 2019 festival.
Along with enjoying the music, listeners also have the opportunity to see an exhibition of wonderful paintings. Every year, an Art Alley is set up in the festival area, where artists living in Vidzeme region – Mareks Gureckis, Juta Policja, Jānis Delgalvis, Sandra Postaža, Giors Geks, Andis Gūtmanis and others – have exhibited their works.
The artist Mareks Gureckis has taken care of the artistic design of the Saulkrasti Jazz Main Stage.
