Cologne (dpa/lnw) - This year's WDR Jazz Prize will be awarded to the two musicians Angelika Niescier and Maryam Akhondy as well as the school big band of the Aachen Inda-Gymnasium. According to the information, the Polish-born saxophonist Angelika Niescier received the award in the jazz category. As an improviser and composer, she is firmly rooted in the jazz scene in North Rhine-Westphalia as well as internationally. In the Music Cultures category, the jury chose the Iranian singer Maryam Akhondy. She has become an active bridge builder between Persian and European, classical and modern styles of playing. In addition, with her music, she gives an important voice to Iranian women and their striving for independence, it said. Both prizes are endowed with 10,000 euros each.
This year, the band "The Ultimate Inda High Noon Big Beat Orchestra" from the Inda-Gymnasium in Aachen received the Young Talent Award. The ensemble was founded 19 years ago by the music and maths teacher Ulrich Hackfort in order to encourage students to enjoy music and community. Big bands in schools are often the cornerstone for a rich musical life, emphasized the WDR.
The award ceremony is on February 4th in the Gütersloh Theater with WDR presenter Sebastian Wellendorf. Former WDR Jazz Prize winners will perform the night before. Featuring singer Rabih Lahoud and trombonist Shannon Barnett.
