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Previous participant: Chiara Gozzi
I am honoured to have had a little part in this wonderful festival [...]. I strongly encourage everyone to join in this programme, and I will surely try to participate in additional staff exchanges in the future.
From: Associazione Culturale Rest-Art - NovaraJazz (Italy)
To: Jazzfestival Saalfelden (Austria)
Dates: 13 - 21 August 2023
From August 13th to August 21st, I had the privilege of participating in a transformative staff exchange through the Europe Jazz Network (EJN), which allowed me to immerse myself in the vibrant world of the International Jazzfestival Saalfelden. This unique opportunity provided me with an invaluable experience that not only expanded my professional horizons but also left me with cherished memories.
I arrived on a Sunday evening, eager to begin this exchange programme and learn everything I could from this festival. The view was breathtaking. Saalfelden is surrounded by lush green valleys, rocky peaks, and peaceful alpine lakes. The landscape offers a mix of verdant meadows, dense forests, and rocky terrain.
My exchange contact was Daniela Neumayer, very experienced head of organisation at the festival. She kindly took the time to discuss with me planning, sponsorships, and other relevant festival-related topics, even though she had a lot on the agenda during those days. Daniela's observations provided me with an insight into the extensive coordination and planning that occurs behind the scenes of such an event. I had the pleasure of becoming aware of the festival's many aspects, learning about the duties of the hardworking team members, and getting to know the city and its various concert venues. Daniela, Theresa, and Sarah thoughtfully planned shifts for me during the festival so I could observe each aspect of the organisation; every task was a window into the festival's meticulous orchestration.
I was lucky to witness some great performances by renowned artists such as Hamid Drake, Myra Melford, Brekky Boy, Dave Douglas, the beautiful projects "Fathers Wing" and "Sound Hazard” and many other special concerts such as the Melting Pot project and the late-night impro session. The Hike Jazz event deserves mention: it was an unforgettable performance with breathtaking views. Actually, every single event was engaging, demonstrating the festival's commitment to creating extraordinary musical experiences that resonated strongly with both the audience and the artists.
Leaving Saalfelden after these transformative eight days, I returned home with plenty of new insights, contacts, and ideas. This exchange was a reminder of the profound impact that cultural exchange programs like EJN offer to professionals in the music industry. Beyond enhancing our understanding of the music business and festival dynamics, these experiences expand our appreciation for diverse cultural contexts and empower us to contribute more meaningfully to our respective festivals.
I am honoured to have had a little part in this wonderful festival, and my gratitude goes to Daniela for her time and kindness, as well as the offer to accompany me on the Stoissegraben walk on her one afternoon off. Thank you also to Theresa, Sarah, Martina, Thomas, Sabine, Nima. I strongly encourage everyone to join in this programme, and I will surely try to participate in additional staff exchanges in the future.
To: Jazzfestival Saalfelden (Austria)
Dates: 13 - 21 August 2023
From August 13th to August 21st, I had the privilege of participating in a transformative staff exchange through the Europe Jazz Network (EJN), which allowed me to immerse myself in the vibrant world of the International Jazzfestival Saalfelden. This unique opportunity provided me with an invaluable experience that not only expanded my professional horizons but also left me with cherished memories.
I arrived on a Sunday evening, eager to begin this exchange programme and learn everything I could from this festival. The view was breathtaking. Saalfelden is surrounded by lush green valleys, rocky peaks, and peaceful alpine lakes. The landscape offers a mix of verdant meadows, dense forests, and rocky terrain.
My exchange contact was Daniela Neumayer, very experienced head of organisation at the festival. She kindly took the time to discuss with me planning, sponsorships, and other relevant festival-related topics, even though she had a lot on the agenda during those days. Daniela's observations provided me with an insight into the extensive coordination and planning that occurs behind the scenes of such an event. I had the pleasure of becoming aware of the festival's many aspects, learning about the duties of the hardworking team members, and getting to know the city and its various concert venues. Daniela, Theresa, and Sarah thoughtfully planned shifts for me during the festival so I could observe each aspect of the organisation; every task was a window into the festival's meticulous orchestration.
I was lucky to witness some great performances by renowned artists such as Hamid Drake, Myra Melford, Brekky Boy, Dave Douglas, the beautiful projects "Fathers Wing" and "Sound Hazard” and many other special concerts such as the Melting Pot project and the late-night impro session. The Hike Jazz event deserves mention: it was an unforgettable performance with breathtaking views. Actually, every single event was engaging, demonstrating the festival's commitment to creating extraordinary musical experiences that resonated strongly with both the audience and the artists.
Leaving Saalfelden after these transformative eight days, I returned home with plenty of new insights, contacts, and ideas. This exchange was a reminder of the profound impact that cultural exchange programs like EJN offer to professionals in the music industry. Beyond enhancing our understanding of the music business and festival dynamics, these experiences expand our appreciation for diverse cultural contexts and empower us to contribute more meaningfully to our respective festivals.
I am honoured to have had a little part in this wonderful festival, and my gratitude goes to Daniela for her time and kindness, as well as the offer to accompany me on the Stoissegraben walk on her one afternoon off. Thank you also to Theresa, Sarah, Martina, Thomas, Sabine, Nima. I strongly encourage everyone to join in this programme, and I will surely try to participate in additional staff exchanges in the future.
