Ranging from subtle sonic landscapes and energetic rhythmic explorations to experimental sound approaches, the newly announced acts cover a wide spectrum of contemporary musical expression. Once again, the festival highlights artists beyond the mainstream and invites audiences to experience unexpected and inspiring sonic journeys.
In the Gruberhalle, the Vienna-based trio Mel*E weaves a dense interplay of atmospheric textures, structured beats, and improvisational eruptions. Viola Hammer, Judith Ferstl, and Judith Schwarz have developed a shared musical language that consistently explores the boundaries between structure and improvisation. Their name references the English term “melee,” evoking close combat and symbolising the intense interaction through which the ensemble engages its audience in a form of embodied, reflective listening. At the Jazzfestival Saalfelden, their sound integrates seamlessly into a programme that focuses on organically evolving originality, alongside acts such as DJ Krush and kindred spirits like /kry.
The Shortcuts stage will host the quartet DaughterDaughter, whose intensity emerges from the tension of diverse biographical backgrounds. Amalie Dahl, Camila Nebbia, Elisabeth Coudoux, and Sun Mi Hong bring together their individual artistic influences from Denmark, Argentina, Germany, and South Korea in an immediate and highly responsive musical dialogue. The ensemble moves confidently between expansive harmonic spaces and high-energy rhythmic explorations. This interplay reflects the conceptual intent behind their name, understood as a commitment to independent creative impulses and collective improvisation. Having already made a strong impression in Saalfelden Leogang with previous performances, the quartet once again affirms its dynamic presence and its consistent drive to explore new sonic territories.
A special premiere awaits on the Mainstage when US alto saxophonist Darius Jones and Japanese guitarist Otomo Yoshihide merge their distinct sonic worlds. Joined by bassist Nick Dunston and drummers Gerald Cleaver and Yasuhiro Yoshigaki, this outstanding quintet moves seamlessly between experimental soundscapes and high-energy jazz. Jones, who describes his music as a “confrontation against apathy and ego,” and Yoshihide, renowned for his exploratory and unpredictable approach to sound, shape a debut encounter in which, in the spirit of Sun Ra, “only the impossible happens”.
Service & Ticketing
The response to this year’s festival has been exceptionally strong, and the "We Hike Jazz" musical hikes to the Asitz and Steinalm, as well as the Shortcuts passes, are already sold out.
Mainstage tickets are still available, and the VIP option for an enhanced festival experience can also still be booked: https://tickets.jazzsaalfelden.com/
As a digital companion, the free JAZZ SAALFELDEN app bundles all key information directly on your smartphone. Regular push notifications keep visitors up to date on current happenings and short-term programme updates.
Image: Mel*E by ApolloniaTheresaBitzan
