The Jazzkonkurrencen concert series takes place at four renowned venues across Denmark and kicks off on 13 February at 8:00 PM at Huset i Hasserisgade in Aalborg. Tickets are now available.

A glimpse into the young scene

As always, audiences can look forward to a glimpse into Denmark’s young jazz scene. Each of the three ensembles offers its own take on jazz’s depth, intensity, and innovative energy. The concerts will be presented in Aalborg, Odense, Kolding, and Copenhagen.

The winner gets the opportunity to record an EP

At the final concert of the series, this year’s winner will be announced. For the second year in a row, the winner will be given the opportunity to record an EP, including mixing, at The Hideout Studio in Aalborg. In addition, the winner will receive DKK 10,000 for a self-chosen project.

New this year, Jazz Danmark is also offering a two-day workshop prior to the concert series for the three participating bands. Throughout the programme, participants will furthermore receive ongoing feedback and individual coaching in connection with the concerts.

ELJO

In the borderland between the acoustic and the electronic, ELJO creates a sonic universe with elements from both modern Nordic jazz and minimalist electronic music. The result is an atmospheric soundscape that is contemplative, repetitive, and full of momentum, where all elements—both electronic and acoustic—are performed live on stage. The duo released their debut album “Merging” in 2025, which received warm reviews from All That, JazzNyt, and Bands of Tomorrow, and also made its way onto the rotation list at P8 JAZZ.

Listen to ELJO here

Purpur

Purpur consists of seven members whose individual musical backgrounds shape the band’s distinctive sound. Purpur is a life project that invites the listener into an exploratory musical universe. Danish-language lyrics and horn arrangements rooted in the Nordic tradition are fused with pulsating rhythms inspired by a wide range of musical cultures—from afrobeat to folk and jazz—along with electronic elements.

Follow Purpur here

Venya

Venya is a band whose music moves freely between neo-soul, jazz, and pop, where jazz improvisation merges with the groove and energy of pop. The band’s distinctive sound is built on both acoustic and electronic elements, always with a sharp focus on lyrics and melody. Venya’s music reflects the identities of six young musicians, and while genre boundaries are challenged, the music remains accessible and relatable for the listener. With energy, intimacy, and catchy melodies, Venya is a breath of fresh air on both the Danish and Nordic jazz scenes.

Follow Venya here

Participants selected from a strong field

The selected participants were chosen through an open call and selected by artistic staff from the four venues, manager, curator, and band coach Kat Jarby, as well as Jazz Danmark. A total of 29 relevant applications were submitted for this year’s jazz competition, so the panel had its work cut out during the selection process.

Dates for Jazzkonkurrencen 2026

February 13 Huset, Aalborg – Get a free ticket here

March 17 Dexter, Odense

May 5 Jazz6000/Godset, Kolding – Get a free ticket here

May 27 Final concert at Jazzhus Montmartre, København