The 10th edition of the Szczecin Jazz Festival was an event that not only highlighted the past and future of jazz on the international stage but also put the Netherlands on the map with several remarkable performances and exchanges of young talent. Poland was the focus this year as the world’s jazz hub, and the festival provided a platform for cross-border collaboration within the global jazz network.
One of the highlights was the participation of Dutch talent. Alto saxophonist Femke Mooren, a young promise from the Netherlands, brought her dynamic and bold style to the festival. Together with jazz trumpeter Charlie Philips, who impressed with her energetic and expressive playing style, there was a special moment of exchange between young Dutch musicians and their Polish and international colleagues. The trio, with Baer Traa as the permanent pianist, delivered a performance that pushed the boundaries of jazz while simultaneously captivating the audience with surprising improvisations. These cross-pollinations between young talent from different countries emphasized the power of jazz as a universal language that connects cultures.
Additionally, Graziella Hunsel Rivero was one of the festival’s standout stars. The singer filled the room with her refined virtuosity and deep emotion. Her performance was a perfect reflection of how jazz is not just a music style but a powerful expression of personal and cultural stories. Her performance was praised as one of the festival’s highlights and offered a moment of reflection on the diversity within the global jazz landscape.
Poland, positioned as the central jazz country this year, played a significant role in connecting diverse jazz traditions. Sylwester Ostrowski, the musician and artistic director of the Szczecin Jazz Festival, was a key driving force behind the organization, giving the festival clear direction. Ostrowski’s passion for jazz and his ability to bring together artists from different countries and styles created a platform for both established artists and emerging talent. His work underscores the need to further unite jazz in Poland and place the Polish jazz scene more prominently on the world map.
Fabio Lannino of the Sicilia Jazz Festival also played an important role within the World Jazz Network. His contributions to international cooperation between festivals were crucial in setting up networks and sharing best practices. The Sicilia Jazz Festival, led by Lannino, was praised for its focus on promoting young jazz artists and fostering cultural exchanges between different regions. Lannino’s presence at the Szczecin Jazz Festival emphasized the role of the Sicilian festival as a connecting factor within the European and global jazz community.
The conference “World Jazz Network meets Polish Jazz” was another important part of the festival. It was an opportunity for jazz professionals from the US, Europe, and Poland to come together and discuss the future of jazz, both in business and artistic terms. The discussion about the business side of jazz and the different organizational models in Europe and the US was particularly valuable. There was also a conversation about possibilities for collaboration between festivals, with a focus on promoting young talent, such as the work of Mooren, Philips, and others.
What truly made the festival special was the collective focus on strengthening the Polish jazz scene and connecting jazz communities worldwide. The conversations and workshops on further enhancing collaboration between festivals, the role of media in jazz, and the impact of geopolitical changes on culture were essential in shaping a future vision for the jazz community.
The closing workshop on jazz promotion, led by Lydia Liebman, emphasized the behind-the-scenes workings of PR agencies and how young artists can strengthen their careers in an increasingly competitive market. This was a valuable opportunity for both established and emerging artists to gain insight into the business side of the music industry.
The festival concluded in style with informal meetings and jam sessions, where musicians from different countries shared their experiences and ideas. The collaboration and exchange of ideas were clearly visible, and the audience was treated to some fantastic, spontaneous performances.
The 10th edition of the Szczecin Jazz Festival was undoubtedly a success. The organizers not only managed to bring in great artists but also provided a platform for the future direction of the global jazz community. Poland rightfully became the heart of the international jazz scene, and the festival proved that cooperation between festivals and supporting young talent are essential for the continued existence of jazz as a living, dynamic art form. We are eagerly looking forward to future editions and the continuation of this beautiful initiative.
