The IACC took place twice in Utrecht, The Netherlands. The first edition was in 2012 with compositions for saxophone and piano and the second edition was held in 2014 with compositions for saxophone quartet and piano. Composers from all over the world of all ages could send in works which contain a certain crossover element from the entertainment music (like jazz, pop, rock, folk, world music).
The title of the contest refers to Henk Alkema (Harlingen, November 20, 1944 - Utrecht, August 4, 2011). Alkema was a Dutch composer, piano player and music professor. Alkema is famous for his unconventional urge to combine different styles of music. And that's exactly what this contest aims for. Some quotes of Henk Alkema:
"composers see the horizon"
"a composer is like a captain on the lookout"
"sailing with the wind is boring"
2nd Edition - 26 October 2014, TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht, The Netherlands
With compositions for saxophone quartet and piano
by Aurelia Saxophone Quartet and Henry Kelder
Edwin Rutten, Master of Ceremony
Awards:
1st prize: Shingo Matsuura, Japan (with Midnight)
2nd prize: Zackery Wilson, United States (with joySTICK IT)
3rd prize: Janco Verduin, The Netherlands (with Djent)
Public prize: Zackery Wilson
Other nominees:
Peter Fisher, United Kingdom (with Full of Scorpions is my Mind)
Aran O´Grady, Ireland (with Against the Grain)
Philippe Bodin, France (with Two Colors: Red)
1st Edition - 9 June 2012, HKU Utrecht Conservatoire, Utrecht, The Netherlands
With compositions for saxophone and piano
by Duo Lind´n Kelder: Johan van der Linden (saxopohones) and Henry Kelder (piano)
Edwin Rutten, Master of Ceremony
Awards:
1st prize: Antonio Bonazzo, Italy (with PLUTO)
2nd prize: Manuel Martínez Burgos, Spain (with Opposite Mirrors)
3rd prize: Mirjana Vejlkovic, Serbia (with Vlasinka)
Public prize: Manuel Martínez Burgos
Other nominees:
Laszlo Süle, Finland (with Pulsar)
Laszlo Süle, Finland (with Bartók and the Alians)
Peter Fisher, United Kingdom (with Small World - Big Ideas)