Neither economic nor political disasters, nor even a pandemic, have managed to interrupt the annual tradition of the Vilnius Jazz Festival. Since the dawn of Lithuania’s independence, it has always embodied the irrepressible pursuit of freedom and courage, bringing together some of the most interesting personalities of free jazz and improvised music in Europe and the world.
It is symbolic that this festival takes place at the old theatre in Vilnius (address: J.Basanavičiaus str. 13). The intimate and cosy atmosphere of the theatre frees the imagination of the creators and inspires them to engage in an intriguing dialogue with the audience.
This year, the trio of the distinctive British pianist Alexander Hawkins and perhaps the most in demand Ukrainian piano talent at the moment, Vadim Neselovskyi, will share their latest ideas. The project Turiya: Honoring Alice Coltrane, dedicated to the jazz legend and mystic personality, will be presented by one of the most prominent percussionists of our time, Hamid Drake, with a select international entourage. The festival will host the debut of the trio of Lithuanian improvised music star Liudas Mockūnas, Swiss trombonist Samuel Blaser and French guitarist Marc Ducret.
This year Vilnius Jazz promises a very impressive panorama of Lithuanian avant-garde and improvised music ranging from the experiments of the youngest generation to the projects of the Lithuanian jazz elite.
For the 17th year in a row, the finalists of the Vilnius Jazz Young Power competition will compete in the festival’s Sunday matinee concert. The competitors will play their original compositions.
The night jams also bring surprises every year, unveiling unique talents. This year they will take place on 13–15 October, after the main programme at the “Opera Social House” live music club in the city centre (address: J.Lelevelio str. 4).
The Vilnius Jazz concerts start at 19.00 on all days except Sunday, so a visit to the festival is also a great opportunity to get to know the capital of Lithuania and its beautiful Old Town, which is on the UNESCO list of cultural heritage sites.
For more information about the festival, visit vilniusjazz.lt
