Artistic Director of the contest Maris Briezkalns, contest director Diana Briežkalne, Maestro Raimonds Pauls, Tele2 Brand Manager Ilze Žukova, Riga Jazz Stage event host Beate Zviedre, this year's contestant in the vocal nomination Laura Rizzotto took part in the press conference. The contestant in the bass category Toms Lipskis pleased with the musical accompaniment.  

Maris Briezkalns told about the contest concerts on April 5th and 6th, with the award ceremony on April 7th, which will end with the concert of Brazilian music sensation Michel Pipoquinha and Latvian Radio Big Band who will present programme Tribute to Jaco.  

Maestro Raimonds Pauls has for the time been refraining from mentioning his favourites, saying that he has to wait for concerts. ''I hope for new stars, especially vocalists, who we are always missing.'' Maestro emphasized the development of jazz in Latvia and the success of our musicians abroad.  

Nowadays quite a bit of friendship, marriage or cooperation last for several decades. However, "Tele2", along with the "Rigas Ritmi", also supports the Riga Jazz Stage from its very beginnings, and this collaboration has already taken place in the third decade. "We are pleased to be present for the development of jazz in Latvia, and we are especially pleased to jointly create a platform for young and promising artists so that they can voice themselves noisy not only in the Latvian but also in the world arena. Already for the third year, in addition to the evaluation of the competent jury, we will allow viewers to engage in the evaluation, giving the voice of their crush on the website. At the final ceremony, we will give the audience a special "Tele2" Spectator Award, which will show not only the talent of the artist but also the ability to work with the audience. I wish success to all the participants of the competition, especially the representatives of Latvia, "said Ilze Žukova, the head of the Tele2 brand.

Event host Beata Zviedre shared her feelings about her participation. Being a contest host, she is equally concerned with the same distress and experiences for all contestants. She admits, "The main value of the competition is that all contestants are very friendly and jazz is a form of music, which, however, predominates in collaboration. And competition stays somewhere in the background''. In closing, she wished everyone good luck in the contest.  

Laura Rizzotto began her speech in the Latvian language, which she is currently studying, but continued in English. "I am very pleased to be here and to perform in Latvia, as well as to be part of this contest." - said Laura. She is eagerly awaiting her performances at the contest concerts.  

At the end of the press conference, the contest director Diana Briežkalne told about the prizes. Riga Jazz Stage winners will receive both cash and other awards. The winners of the Grand Prix in the vocal and bass categories will receive 1500 euros, winners of the 2nd place - 1000 euros, winners of the 3rd place - 700 euros. Maestro Raimonds Pauls prize is 1000 euros. Bass category winner will receive Fender American Professional Jazz Bass from our supporter A&T trade. The winners will also receive invitations to perform at international jazz festivals and foreign clubs. 

Jazz talents meet in Riga!

Season Ticket to all Riga Jazz Stage 2018 concerts costs 60 EUR, and can be bought here: Biļešu Serviss.