Ketija Ringa-Karahona wins Keep an Eye Outstanding Talent Award 2021
3 november 2021
On Tuesday, November 2nd, flautist Ketija Ringa-Karahona (23) won the Keep an Eye Outstanding Talent Award 2021 which she received from Eva Scholten of the Keep an Eye Foundation. Ketija received the award, a sculpture and a sum of money, during a ceremony at the final concert of Jong Metropole's autumn tour Higher Ground in Theatre Concert Hall Tilburg.
The Award
The Keep an Eye Foundation's special Outstanding Talent Award is granted annually to the musician within the Jong Metropole orchestra with the most exceptional talent. This van be the best soloist, but the winner can also be 'outstanding' in another field. The Keep an Eye Outstanding Talent Award is part of Jong Metropole, a cooperation between the National Youth Orchestra (NJO), the National Jazz Youth Orchestra of the Netherlands (NJJO) and the Metropole Orkest. Jong Metropole consists of the most talented musicians of this moment. The worlds of jazz and classical music meet in Jong Metropole.
Ketija Ringa-Karahona proved to be the most outstanding musician within and outside the Jong Metropole 2021 class and therefore received this year's award. The price money will enable her to work on her musical development by following specific lessons or take part in masterclasses. Ketija reacted totally surprised about the award: 'It is such an amazing experience to play in this orchestra. That alone is a huge opportunity. I didn't see this coming and I'm very happy with the price, although I would award this prize to every member of the Jong Metropole!'
Ketija Ringa-Karahona (l) and Eva Scholten after the concert Higher Ground in Tilburg
Eva Scholten of the Keep en Eye Foundation about Ketija Ringa-Karahona
The jury, consisting of conductors Jochen Neuffer and Ansgar Striepens as well as the artistic directions of the Metropole Orkest, the National Jazz Youth Orchestra of the Netherlands (NJJO) and the National Youth Orchestra (NJO), was unanimous in her decision to nominate Ketija. 'Improvising at that level on an instrument that is not often used as a main instrument in jazz, is exceptional,' according to the jury. 'Her laid back timing is beautiful, and her choice of notes is "spot on". In addition, she has proven connecting qualities in the group and in the still dominant male-jazz-world, she is a role model for female younger flautists who take the first steps in improvisation. Ketija is a wonderful example of what the orchestra stands for: building a bridge from classical to jazz music, from interpretation to improvisation and from being a professional musician to a person in a social environment.'
About Keep an Eye Foundation
De Keep an Eye Outstanding Talent Award is made available by the Keep an Eye Foundation. This Foundation stimulates talent development through various fairs, prizes, shows and festivals. Music - and especially jazz music - can count on the warm interest of the Keep an Eye Foundation.
About Jong Metropole
Jong Metropole is a unique collaboration between the National Youth Orchestra of the Netherlands (NJO), the National Jazz Youth Orchestra of the Netherlands (NJJO) and the Metropole Orkest (MO). Jong Metropole consists of the best musicians from the Dutch conservatoires. Young talented music students from both the classical and jazz worlds meet in this unique orchestra that brings both worlds together. Jong Metropole was established in 2015.
In Jong Metropole the best of different musical worlds is brought together: the excellent performance from the classical tradition with swing, improvisationd and timing from tje jazz tradition. The initiative is made possible by annual donations from the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds and the Keep an Eye Foundation.
Jong Metropole consists of different activities: two tours each year, masterclasses and two awards. During the Jong Metropole Tour musicians (50 to 60 participants) work in full ‘Metropole Orkest’ line-up on innovative productions. This creates the most beautiful cross-pollinations between various music genres.