The final concert of the Esko Linnavalli competition was aired live on YLE 1 radio on Thursday, the 7th of November. In the concert UMO Jazz Orchestra played ten best compositions out of the 30 original applicants. Teemu Takanen's 'Waiting For You' was awarded the first prize, and the second place was shared between Joonas Leppänen's composition 'Big Sur' and Teemu Halmkrona's 'Parting The Ways'.
The jury members, Eero Koivistoinen, Jukka Linkola and Vellu Halkosalmi, complemented the winning piece for its organic progression and the intact constructions. The composition really stood out among the other works and linked the jazz tradition in the future scopes in a natural way.
The contest has taken place for five times, since year 2005. The organizers, the Finnish Big Band Association and UMO Jazz Orchestra want to pay hommage to the founding member, artistic director and conductor of UMO, Esko Linnavalli. The competition promotes new composers and supports the art of composing contemporary big band music.
Read more about the competition: