Bucharest International Jazz Competition 2024

I am proud to say that after 18 years from its debut, Bucharest International Jazz Competition is ranked as the second jazz contest in Europe and the third in the world.

The Competition contributes significantly to building a positive image of Romania in the world, allowing the inclusion of our country on the international map of major jazz events.

Dedicated to professional musicians, the event successfully debuted in 2007, registering an unexpected participation for the first edition – 30 bands from 25 countries.

The trend was maintained, the popularity of the event increasing significantly, rightfully earning the title as the most visible and strong competition in the region.

On her visit in Romania, Natalie Cole was delighted to find an event of this kind and welcomed the movement dedicated to the new jazz generation.

The 18th Edition will start on the 5th of July gathering 20 bands from 4 continents. Bucharest becomes the world capital of jazz.

Under the slogan "100% jazz and more" the public is invited to enjoy global trends, "creme de la creme" of major jazz centres worldwide, well defined concepts, daring ideas, in unique developments.

The competitors' portfolio includes participation in prestigious international events as the Montreux Jazz Festival, Thelonious Monk Festival, Red Sea Jazz Festival and Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival USA.

I am convinced that the jazz projects this year will keep the halls full as it was every time. We invite both genre lovers, and those uninitiated in the mysteries of jazz to enjoy evenings full of creativity and freedom of expression, an explosion of colour and energy.

A whole week dedicated to jazz...concerts, jam sessions and workshops, at the end of which the best artists of the new generation of jazz will be known.

Bucharest International Jazz Competition takes place within the International Festival EUROPAfest, with a tradition of 31 years, developed under the High Patronage of Her Majesty Margareta and His Royal Highness Prince Radu since 2005, which gained the EFFE award - Europe's finest festivals.