Brussels Jazz Festival returns in January to soothe the winter blues
The Brussels Jazz Festival is back at Flagey from 15 to 24 January, promising an exciting mix of Belgian and international jazz talent. Belgian-Tunisian pianist Wajdi Riahi is this year’s artist in residence and will present three new creations during the festival.
"Over ten years, the Brussels Jazz Festival has established itself as one of Belgium's leading festivals," says the Brussels-Capital Region tourist office, visit.brussels.
The festival opens on 15 January with Jakob Bro’s Jazz Meets Symphonic project alongside the Brussels Philharmonic. The programme includes a wide range of performances, from grand jazz concerts and big bands to intimate solo sets, DJ performances and large symphonic projects. Artists performing across the festival include Milena Casado, Jazzbois, Mu Quintet and many others.
Maarten Van Rousselt, festival programmer, says, "In addition to Belgian talents like Helena Casella and Nabou Claerhout, we're showcasing the best of the European jazz scene, featuring artists from Hungary, Denmark, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom, as well as some American jazz greats. The programme veers off the beaten track and is designed so that concerts never overlap. This allows visitors to experience each performance from the first to the last note. We want the audience to immerse themselves in the music, without stress or FOMO."
Among the highlights, Belgian pianist Helena Casella will perform her latest album Pit of Impressions, while the Riahi, Blake, Jukič & Sumbry ensemble showcases Riahi’s work as artist in residence. Jazzmeia Horn, the Grammy-nominated American vocalist, known for her electrifying stage presence and virtuosic improvisation, brings one of the festival’s most anticipated performances. Horn is regarded as one of the most dynamic voices of her generation and is expected to be a major draw at this edition of the Brussels Jazz Festival.
© BELGA PHOTO LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ
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