THE IDEA
Since 1964, the Jazz nad Odrą Festival has showcased the most significant phenomena in global jazz. Over its 60 editions, it has welcomed some of the biggest names in the industry.
The 61st edition of the festival will take place from April 23 to April 27, 2025, featuring a series of concerts, the Open Competition for Jazz Individuality named after Wojtek Siwek, all-night jam sessions, and accompanying events.
Jazz nad Odrą offers 100% jazz in jazz, ensuring that every artist provides high-quality musical experiences. We strive to ensure that every attendee, regardless of which event they choose, experiences jazz at the highest level.
The 61st edition will take place on two stages: at the Impart Center and at the Vertigo Jazz Club & Restaurant.
HISTORY
In 1963, three students from Wrocław – Karol Maskos, Andrzej Żurek, and Aleksander Fleischer – decided to organize a review-competition for young jazz pianists from Lower Silesia. Their idea gained the approval of the Polish Students’ Association, leading to the inaugural festival edition in 1964. The first Jazz nad Odrą, initially called the Jazz Review, was held at the “Pałacyk” club located at 34 Kościuszki Street in Wrocław.
The festival quickly gained recognition within the jazz community and became a permanent fixture in the history of Polish jazz.
The festival program is determined by the Artistic Council (Magdalena Fijałkowska, Bartosz Pernal, Jerzy Pietraszek, and Igor Pietraszewski, who serves as the artistic director). The producer is Strefa Kultury Wrocław, which previously operated as Centrum Sztuki Impart and Biuro Festiwalowe Impart 2016.
An important part of the festival from the beginning has been the competition. The jury is composed of distinguished artists from Poland and around the world. Participation often paves the way for great musical careers. Among the laureates are prominent figures from the Polish jazz scene, such as Włodzimierz Nahorny, Zbigniew Seifert, Krzesimir Dębski, Jarosław Śmietana, Janusz Strobel, Piotr Baron, Laboratorium, Henryk Miśkiewicz, Tomasz Szukalski, Andrzej Zaucha, and Ewa Bem.
Jazz nad Odrą is not just a festival; it is also an important part of Wrocław’s cultural heritage, continuing to attract jazz lovers and young artists from all over Poland.
During its over sixty-year history, on JnO stages have performed stars of jazz such as:
Buddy Rich
Stan Getz
McCoy Tyner
Lee Konitz
Archie Shepp
Bob Brookmeyer
Kenny Barron
Dave Liebman
Brad Meldhau
David Murray
Bob Mintzer
Wallace Roney
Cassandra Wilson
George Garzone
Terence Blanchard
Kenny Garrett
Ambrose Akinmusire
Josh Redman
Gregory Porter
Immanuel Wilkins
