Competition results will be posted on the ITF Blog! Click the link below to see it!

Online Registration is now closed. You may still register on site at the Royal Academy of Music. If you choose to do this, please allow yourself a bit extra time, as on site registration will take a few minutes. We hope to see you!

The official ITF 2009 blog is now online! Click here to read about ITF 2009!

Welcome to ITF 2009

Dear Colleague:
Welcome to the 38th International Trombone Festival in Aarhus, Denmark. I am honored to be your host. It has been so exciting for me to choose the artists you are about to hear and learn from at this Festival. During the process of finding and choosing artists for this Festival, I found that there are so many talented artists playing trombone that if you invited them all, we would have a Festival that would last for months. I have, though, made a wide selection of some of my personal favorite players and teachers and hope you will enjoy their artistry and wisdom.

The city of Aarhus is not the biggest city in the world but I am sure that you will have a great time here. The academy is situated in the Concerthouse, which is one of the biggest centers of its kind. You will have the chance to experience some of the fantastic halls this building has to offer.

I am extremely grateful to the orchestras, ensembles and other institutions, all of which never hesitated when asked to participate in this event. The artists you will experience have all willingly accepted the performances I have asked of them. I am extremely grateful for their participation and willingness to share their talents with all of us.

I am particularly looking forward to the two days before the main Festival when we aim to have the junior ITF. I trust that the children will have a great time meeting their heroes and getting a chance to talk to them and play with them.

I have chosen several themes for this Festival, among them Trombones and Children, Trombone Ensembles, Trombone and Theatre, and The Spiritual Trombone. Sunday morning, the Cramer choir will perform as a part of the service at the Aarhus Cathedral.

I am personally looking forward to the first performances of Niels Marthinsens In the Shadow of the Bat featuring Håkan Björkman, Jörgen van Rijen and Stefan Schulz and Poul Ruders Concertinonew for Bass Trombone and Ensemble featuring Stefan Schulz. Also, Mark Nightingale's new piece for trombone and classic ensemble featuring him is going to lots of fun. Don't miss the jazz nights, which also will be thematic. There will be a night dedicated to the works of Michael Davis and a tribute to one of the all time greats, Kai Winding, who was born and raised in Aarhus.

All in all, don't miss this chance to participate, whether trombone playing is your hobby or your profession. I am sure you will find something that will inspire you and make trombone playing an even more important part of your life in the future.

Welcome
Niels-Ole Bo Johansen