International Composition Contest

The eighth International Composition Contest of Brussels Jazz Orchestra in January 2020 was won by Callum Au (GB). One of the most important international competitions for jazz composition, its focus is on premiering new pieces written specifically for big band instrumentation. Brussels Jazz Orchestra endeavours to encourage talented international composers and arrangers all over the world and offer them a stage with this competition. In addition, it aims to discover new, high-quality music for jazz orchestra that is relevant to today, and to forge ties for the future with composers from all over the world.

On January 12 2020, the finalists’ compositions were played by the Brussels Jazz Orchestra at the Brussels Jazz Festival in Flagey (Brussels). The compositions were conducted by the finalists themselves: Callum Au (GB), Christopher Zuar (US), Rainer Tempel (DE) and Ralf Hesse (DE).

The winner of the 8th edition of the ICC was Callum Au (GB). An international jury, consisting of Pierre Bertrand (FR), Florian Ross (DE), Vellu Halkosalmi (FI) and chairman Philippe Coffyn, chose the composition 'The Weaver' by Au.

Callum Au received the BJO ICC Award: a cash prize of € 2000 and a professional audio and video recording of his work, performed by BJO.

Callum Au (GB) is a British composer, arranger, orchestrator and trombonist. He writes music across genres and specialises in writing for big band and large jazz ensemble. Au has had the privilege of writing music for many international artists, including Jamie Cullum, Randy Brecker and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. As well as being an arranger and orchestrator, Au has been a member of the Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra, since 2012 as a trombonist. He has performed alongside top international artists including Curtis Stigers, Seth MacFarlane and Maria Schneider.

The date of the ninth edition of the International Composition Contest will be announced soon.