France became one of the first European countries to embrace American jazz. This country even gave birth to a new style of jazz known as gypsy jazz, gypsy swing, hot club jazz or jazz manouche. Gypsy jazz is an amalgamation of traditional jazz and Romani music. It is believed to have been started by French jazz guitarist and composer Django Reinhardt. No wonder that it is France that hosts some of the largest and most famous jazz festivals in Europe, including Jazz à Vienne.
Hundreds of jazz musicians and thousands of music lovers from around the world come to Vienne every summer to share their love for jazz. Jazz à Vienne features both world-class artists and up-and-coming performers, providing a unique opportunity to listen to quality jazz in picturesque surroundings. Over the years, Jazz à Vienne has welcomed numerous jazz and blues legends including Jan Garbarek, Eric Clapton, Ray Charles, James Brown, Al Jarreau, Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Herbie Hancock, Ike Turner, Chuck Berry, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Lionel Hampton, Sonny Rollins, and many others.
Headliners perform on the main stage in the Vienne Roman Theater. But the main stage isn’t the only one. During the festival, there are performances in Midnight Club, daytime concerts in Cybèle’s Gardens, and a series of performances in other venues throughout the city. Alongside concerts, the program of the festival includes a talent competition for young musicians, workshops at the Jazz Academy, literary events, film screenings, International Jazz Day celebration, special events for children and youth, and more.
For over a decade, Jazz à Vienne has been hosting special events that aim to popularize jazz among school-age children and teach them to appreciate and love music. Every year around 6,000 primary school students are offered a unique chance to attend concerts at the Roman Theater and get an exciting musical experience.
Photo: Renaud Alouche
