The 56th edition of the Barcelona Jazz Festival has become a key meeting point for music lovers, thanks to a lineup full of stars and vibrant performances. Under the slogan “Ara toca jazz” (“Now it’s time for jazz”), the festival invites everyone to experience a unique sonic journey where contemporary and experimental jazz blend with its more classical roots.
One of the major innovations this year is the introduction of a hybrid format, allowing concerts to be enjoyed both on stage and from anywhere in the world via streaming. This change reflects the desire to make the festival a more accessible and global event, enabling Barcelona’s jazz scene to reach an international audience.
The lineup for this edition is a captivating mix of jazz legends and emerging new talents. Among the most notable names are trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, saxophonist Kamasi Washington, and pianist Hiromi Uehara—artists who represent the diversity and richness of contemporary jazz. But it’s not just the big names that will shine at the festival; space will also be given to young national and European talents who are transforming the jazz scene with fresh and daring ideas.
The festival maintains its pluralistic spirit, incorporating influences from around the world, from African roots to Latin, electronic, and experimental fusions. The programming aims to enrich the audience’s experience with a variety of styles and approaches that celebrate the constant evolution of jazz.
Iconic venues such as the Palau de la Música Catalana and L’Auditori will be the main venues of the festival, but events in smaller, more intimate venues will also be included, bringing jazz closer to different audiences and offering a unique atmosphere for each concert. In addition, this year places a special emphasis on the diversity of voices and makes the 56th edition of the Barcelona Jazz Festival not only celebrate music in its purest form, but also as a global sound experience that connects cultures, generations and sounds until March 23, 2025.