Award for “Utopia”
Jazz Vocal Alumna Ganna Gryniva Honored by the German Record Critics’ Association
Once again, a graduate of the jazz vocal program at the FRANZ LISZT University of Music Weimar is making headlines. Ganna Gryniva, an alumna of Prof. Jeff Cascaro and Prof. Michael Schiefel’s class, has garnered national attention with her new album “Utopia.” The jury of the “German Record Critics’ Award” has awarded her one of the coveted annual prizes for this CD/LP production. The singer goes by the simple stage name “Ganna.”
The laudatory statement for the album “Utopia” reads as follows: “Ganna, a Ukrainian artist who has lived in Berlin since 2013, is a vocal artist of great caliber. On ‘Utopia,’ she blends folklore, indie pop, and jazz with electronic music. Her work with archival material blends with experimental elements, improvisation, and a deep joy in exploring sounds. This is shaped by the composer herself in collaboration with various guests who expand the instrumental palette, including the cimbalom, jazz trumpet, and Ukrainian flutes. These multidimensional soundscapes thrive on a deep connection to her homeland and its people. […] “Utopia” convincingly conveys the hope that one can discover so much when one opens oneself up. How important that is in these times!”
Ganna herself fondly recalls her time as a student: “My time studying at the University of Music in Weimar had a lasting impact on me as a singer and composer. Here, I was able to refine my musical craft, develop my own artistic ideas, and count on wonderful mentors who accompanied and supported me on my journey. Weimar was the ideal place for this: everything was close by, there was an inspiring musical community, and I had the freedom to focus entirely on my studies and my artistic development.”
Ganna’s former major advisor, Prof. Jeff Cascaro, shares in her joy: “Congratulations, Ganna! We’re proud that our former student is enjoying international success and has won this outstanding award—chapeau! The lineup of participating musicians is also top-notch. Incidentally, Christoph Bernewitz and Bertram Burkert—both graduates of the University of Music in Weimar—are also involved in this award-winning production. This impressive achievement, among other things, demonstrates just how significant the influence of the University of Music in Weimar’s jazz education is nationwide.”
More information: https://www.schallplattenkritik.de/jahrespreise
[November 12, 2026]