Friday, May 23, the regional venue Godset in Kolding will be filled with young jazz when the final of the 2025 Jazzkonkurrencen takes place. Audiences can look forward to an evening of next-generation jazz performed by three young, talented ensembles – Veronika Rud Quartet, Sandløber, and Zinssou Quartet.

Tickets are free but can be reserved here.

A new chapter in a vibrant jazz hub

For the first time ever, the final is being held outside the capital – and the choice of Kolding is far from random. In recent years, the city has established itself as a vibrant jazz hub with strong local roots.

Here, you’ll find one of the country’s leading jazz clubs – Jazz6000, a long-time partner of Jazzkonkurrencen – as well as the acclaimed venue TRIO, known especially for its concerts organized by a dedicated group of young volunteers. Kolding is a natural choice for showcasing the jazz stars of tomorrow. The final is presented at Godset in collaboration with Jazz6000.

“Blown away by the sound of tomorrow”

Last year, the Jazzkonkurrencen final was held at Montmartre in Copenhagen. On that occasion, Politiken culture journalist David Dyrholm described the evening like this:

“Honestly, I can’t think of many experiences better than standing in a packed, sweltering venue and being blown away by the sound of tomorrow. I was lucky enough to have that chance at Montmartre during this year’s Jazzkonkurrencen final […] which tends to be a pretty good indicator of what’s stirring and making waves among the youngest musicians in the country.”

A glimpse into the future of jazz

As always, the audience can look forward to a glimpse into Denmark’s vibrant young jazz scene. Each of the three ensembles offers a unique take on the depth, intensity, and innovative energy of jazz. All three finalists have already performed in Aalborg, Odense, and Copenhagen – and are more than ready to take on the audience in Kolding.

New talents – great potential

Previous participants include names like Svaneborg Kardyb, Little North, Baryl, and Kosmos Trio. Since their win in 2019, Svaneborg Kardyb have gained massive international recognition and established themselves as one of the most influential acts in Danish jazz. Viktoria Søndergaard from Baryl has also become one of the country’s most acclaimed young musicians, notably through her close collaboration with Marilyn Mazur.

Winner gets EP recording opportunity

The final also marks the culmination of a career development program for the participating musicians. The winner will receive a prize of DKK 10,000 and the opportunity to record an EP with professional mixing at The Hideout Studio in Aalborg – a significant step on the path to a professional career.