The Austrian Jazz Award Returns in Great Style

After a 15-year hiatus since the last presentation of the “Hans Koller Prize”, the Austrian Music Council (ÖMR) has successfully revived the Austrian Jazz Award, in an effort to shine a brighter spotlight on the country’s jazz scene.

Austria is home to a thriving jazz and world music community, rich with talented musicians who have been pushing the boundaries of these genres for decades. This initiative, developed in collaboration with mica – music austria, the Ö1 Jazzredaktion, IG World Music, and Porgy & Bess, aims to celebrate this vibrant and diverse musical landscape.

The observation period for the Austrian Jazz Award 2024 began on 1 January 2022 and ended on 15 August 2024. In each category, the “Academy” – the comprehensive panel of experts – determined ten nominees through a points-based system. A smaller jury selected the winners from these nominees. The prize was endowed with €10,000 each for “Best Live Act” and “Best Album,” while the “Best Newcomer” received €5,000. Additionally, each winner was awarded three fairly paid concerts.

The initiative will culminate at the awards gala, set to take place on 5 December, 2024, at the renowned Porgy & Bess in Vienna. This event promises to not only honour the exceptional talent of Austrian musicians but also reinforce the significance of jazz and world music as integral parts of the country’s cultural fabric.