The Maria Schneider Orchestra officially kicks off a new edition of the International Jazz Festival of Barcelona

Barcelona (ACN).- Maria Schneider and her big band performed the official opening concert of the 43^rd edition of the International Jazz Festival of Barcelona at the Palau de la Música on Thursday. The extensive programme of concerts is marked by the large participation of Catalan artists (over 50%), reflecting the wishes of the organisers to have local talent.Andrea Motis, Lluís Coloma, La Vella Dixieland, Sílvia Pérez Cruz, Biel Ballester and The BlackLocomotive Black are among the Catalans that will participate. Maria Schneider, Michel Camilo, Omar Sosa and Paolo Conte are the most prominent international artists to come to the 43rd edition of the International Jazz Festival of Barcelona. The success of the international jazz festival is indisputable and its reputation has continued to grow throughout its many editions. Last year it shared a link with the prestigious Newport Jazz Festival (United States), this year it has also partnered with the Umbria Jazz Festival (Italy).

The Festival’s director defined the contribution of Catalan artists as "one of the strengths" of the event, during the festival’s presentation conference. "In the past, present and future," he said the festival will make a commitment to home grown artists. Catalan participation represents over 50% of the artists who make up the line up, proving the director is true to his word. In addition, this year also had the help of another famous Catalan resident, the graphic designer Javier Mariscal, who was in charge of the graphic image event.

Maria Schneider received the festival’s gold medal

The Festival’s director Tito Ramoneda delivered the event’s gold medal to Maria Schneider, after having praised the work and talent of the American jazz composer. Ramoneda said that Schneider “makes music in its pure state”. He added: “despite not singing nor playing any instrument, her voice is her orchestra”. Maria Schneider, who visits the festival for the fifth time, gave a short speech in which she confessed “the great honour of receiving such a tribute in her preferred city and her preferred auditorium”. Schneider stated that Barcelona’s jazz festival is “unique”, and she stressed the diversity of auditoriums and city spaces that host concerts.

New spaces 

As always, the festival will be organised in various scenic areas under different thematic labels. This year the Luz de Gas night club, el Palau de la Música, the Harlem Jazz Club, the Gran Hotel Havana, the Bikini club, the Liceu Conservatory , the JassSí Club and the Auditorium of Sant Cugat will be used as well as two new locations: the Coliseum Theatre and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. 

As for the thematic organisation of the event, the colourful categories of 'Piano', 'Windows' (open to other music), 'Cocktail & Swing', 'Umbria Jazz Barcelona', 'Dinner Blues' and 'White Menu’

Catalan artists

The Big Band of the Conservatory or Liceu, Josep Maria Farràs Trio, Lluís Coloma Trio, The Old Dixieland,Jaume Vilaseca Quartet, Vicenç Solsona Sextet, Pegasus, Andrea Motis and Joan Chamorro Group, The Pepper Pots, Sílvia Pérez Cruz, The Black Locomotive, Biel Ballester are just some of the Catalan names featured in this year's festival.

International Claims

When it comes to the international line up, attention should be given to the Maria Schneider Orchestra, the artist to receive the Gold Medal of the festival. In the long list of artists are amongst others, Eliane Elias Brazilian Quartet, Kena Toledo & Soultime; Omar Sosa with Paolo Fresu, Michel Camilo Trio with Giovanni Hidalgo, Ryuichi Sakamoto Trio; The Buena Vista Social Club with Omara Portuondo; Paolo Conte, and Ken Vandermark's Made to Break.