The jury
Stéfanie Molter - Ars Nova ensemble
Benoît Sitzia
Chairman, Commission de la Musique Classique Contemporaine / SACEM
France
After studying classical guitar and organ, Benoît Sitzia began a course in musical culture and composition. He won several awards in analysis, music history, aesthetics and composition, and spent two years studying composition at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris.
His works have been premiered and performed by artists and ensembles in France and abroad (Ensemble Intercontemporain, Ensemble Rayuela, Trio Antara, Maîtrise de Radio France, Ensemble Chromosphère, Collectif Fractales, Ensemble Orchestral Contemporain, UMZE ensemble, Ars Nova ensemble).
General and artistic director of the Ars Nova ensemble, he contributes to the evolution and development of this historic institution of musical creation.
President and co-founder of Collège Contemporain (a group of composers, performers, ensembles and musicologists), he plays an active role in developing cooperative systems for the promotion and transmission of creative musical practices.
Benoît Sitzia is also involved in strengthening musical dissemination in France and abroad, co-programming several events to promote, train and support classical and contemporary music, including artistic direction of classical music for the Impérial Annecy Festival in Haute-Savoie.
Convinced of the fundamental importance of pedagogy and transmission to all audiences, he is regularly involved as a mediator in the discovery and promotion of repertoire and new music. He also teaches applied musical analysis for performers at the Pôle Supérieur Aliénor in Poitiers.
Benoît Sitzia also initiated and oversaw the creation of the European Creative Academy for Music & Musicians and is actively involved in supporting the mentoring activities of the Peter Eötvös Foundation for Contemporary Music.
Committed to working with regional and national partners to develop a dynamic industry for music, he currently co-founds and co-chairs Rézo MUSA, the first national network representing players working in the field of heritage and creative music - written and improvised - in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
In 2024, he was awarded a residency at the Arvo Pärt Center in Laulasmaa, Estonia.