I am thrilled to announce that my composition “Bloemen” has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious “Scrivere in Jazz 2024” competition, category B. This recognition provides me with an incredible opportunity for international exposure and network expansion.
The finals will take place at Teatro Verdi in Sassari on August 12, where all finalist compositions will be performed, and composers will present their creative processes to the jury. The winners will be announced on August 13, followed by performances of the winning pieces.
“While composing, one is often faced with an infinite range of possible timbres, dynamics, and evolutions through which the music may unfold. Every note chosen, every decision made, has a profound impact on the final result. In composition, as in life: this is the value of choices.”
This is one of Gabriele di Franco’s most profound values. This led Gabriele to create “The Value Of Choices”, his new orchestral constellation and upcoming album. Gabriele has passionately devoted his creative efforts to composing for large ensembles, resulting in an impressive collection of awards. In fact, he has won no less than 7 international composition awards in the past few years alone.
Among them, 3rd prize with the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra & JamMusicLab University in 2023 (AT), 1st prize at Scrivere in Jazz in 2022 (IT), commissioned composer at the European Composers project of Subway Jazz Orchestra in 2021 (DE), 3rd prize at UMO Jazz Orchestra (FI), and many more.
Today, Gabriele has decided to reinvest the awards won into this new ambitious project.
The album, sharing its title with the project, draws inspiration from Gabriele’s mentor Kris Defoort’s greatest teaching, which is why its title track is dedicated to him. Featuring a mix of previously awarded compositions and fresh material from the past three years, the music promises an engaging travel through the diverse tapestry of jazz.
The Value Of Choices features 8 original tracks, perfectly capturing Gabriele’s musical journey, with the special participation of 4 exceptional guests: Lieselot De Wilde (soprano), Vanesa Diaz Gil (alto), Francois Vaiana (baritone), and Federico Pecoraro (electric bass).
Bridging the worlds of jazz and classical orchestration, Gabriele’s writing style is deeply rooted in jazz traditions, drawing inspiration from the great orchestrators of classical music while embracing modern and pop grooves.
The album will be released on Challenge Records (NL) 6th March 2026.
THE MUSICIANS
“The Value Of Choices” is made by 18 wonderful human beings.Woodwinds:
Alto Sax/ Soprano/ Flute/ Alto Flute/ Piccolo Flute: Martin Gasser
Alto Sax/Soprano/Flute: Pierre Lagache
Tenor Sax/Soprano/ Flute : Lennert Baerts
Tenor Sax/Bb Clarinet: Tobias Volckaert
Baritone Sax/Bass Clari: Duilio IngrossoTrumpets:
Trumpet/Flugelhorn 1: Antoine Colin
Trumpet/Flugelhorn 2: Jany Van Lul
Trumpet/Flugelhorn 3: Thomas Mayade
Trumpet/Flugelhorn 4: Pierre-Antoine SavoyatTrombones:
Trombone1 : Frederik Heirman
Trombone 2: Quinten De Cracker
Trombone 3: Tim Daemen
Bass Trombone / Tuba: Els VerbruggenRhythm Section:
Double Bass: Fil Caporali
Drums: Daniel Jonkers
Piano & Effects: Yu-Ting Li
Guitar & Effects: Machiel Heremans
Conducting & Composition: Gabriele di Franco
Guests:
Lieselot De Wilde – voice
Vanesa Diaz Gil – voice
Francois Vaiana – voice
Federico Pecoraro– el. bass
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Oh yes! BETSABEA got the 1st prize (A cat) at the international jazz competition for jazz orchestra ‘Scrivere in Jazz’ hosted by Orchestra Jazz della Sardegna !
This is a double win as it was a long time since my music wasn’t played in Italy, so this makes it even more special.
But I want to congratulate all the finalists, all terrific composers, and human beings!
A special ‘hug’ goes to my fellow composer and old friend Tobias Hoffmann and to my new compositional friend Gerardo Pepe for winning in categories B and C! And to Laura Giulia Veltri that got a Special Mention for her nice work.
And last but not least…thanks to the Jury members that choose Betsabea:
Marco Tiso, Corrado Guarino, Michele Corcella, Gianluigi Trovesi
The final concert of the Helsinki International Big Band Composing Contest was held at the Savoy Theater, Helsinki Finland on Friday, June 4th.
After selecting the 10 finalists from 76 applications from all over the world, jury members Bob Mintzer (USA), composer and pianist Iro Haarla (Finland), UMO’s artistic director and chief conductorEd Partyka (USA / Austria), and conductor Antti Rissanen (Finland), awarded Berlin with the 3rd place.
My congratulations also go to Claudia Döffinger (Germany/Austria) and Oskari Siirtola (Finland) for first and second place.
I’m so glad to announce that my piece ‘Berlin’ has been selected as a finalist at the Helsinki Big Band Composing Contest.
The jury includes American composer and big band leader Bob Mintzer, composer and pianist Iro Haarla, UMO’s artistic director and chief conductor Ed Partyka, and conductor Antti Rissanen.
Only 10 finalists were selected between 76 applications coming from all around the world.
Robert Cozma (GER): Evening Walk
Claudia Döffinger (AUT): Nachtwache
Gabriele di Franco (BEL): Berlin
Daniel Hofecker (HUN): Mr S. G.
Tobias M. Hoffmann (AUT): Conspiracy
Amelia Jutilane-Maynard (AUS): Isolation
Zach Rich (USA): Let Me Clarify
Oskari Siirtola (FIN): Dear Theo
Gordan Spasovski (MKD): Inner Nova
Drew Zaremba (USA): Chesire
I’ll proudly represent Belgium (and Italy)! Connect on the 4th of June for following the stream of the final!
