Jazzfestival Saalfelden 2025 Kicks Off in 11 Days

The countdown is on: in just 11 days, on August 21, the Jazzfestival Saalfelden 2025 will begin – a place where musical boundaries blur, and fans of contemporary music and sonic innovation gather in the alpine surroundings of Saalfelden Leogang. For four days, the town at the mountain range “Steinernes Meer” will transform for the 45th time into a vibrant hub for contemporary jazz, improvisation, and sonic art.
We’re getting you in the mood with two exclusive artist interviews. In the spotlight: Danish guitarist and composer Teis Semey, and the Austrian ensemble Chez Fria, with Ferdinand Rauchmann and Paul Widauer offering insights into their creative process.

 

Artistic Perspectives: Teis Semey and Chez Fria in Interview

 

Teis Semey
Guitarist and composer Teis Semey is no stranger to Saalfelden and will be performing several times during this year’s festival – including on the mainstage at the Congress with his Amsterdam-based large ensemble EN MASSE! Merging free jazz, punk riffs, and atmospheric density, the group strikes an impressive balance between chaos and tenderness, raw energy and deep concentration.
At the bookbindery Fuchs, Semey teams up with Estonian pianist Kirke Karja. As part of the trio Raw Fish, he explores raw, spontaneous compositions. He’ll also close out the festival with an energetic Late Night Session featuring, among others, Christian Lillinger and Ingebrigt Håker Flaten – delivering improvisation that is free, direct, and close to the audience.
In the interview, Semey speaks about music as an artistic expression rooted in community, empathy, and collective energy.

Interview: LINK

 

Chez Fria
Taking a completely different approach is the five-piece ensemble Chez Fria. Represented in the interview by Ferdinand Rauchmann and Paul Widauer, they reflect on their artistic identity that navigates the space between structure and freedom. Their current project “Die Kunst dem Fuge” (= The Art of him Fugue) merges parallel musical worlds: Hildegard von Bingen, Bach, Webern, and contemporary club music. With synthesizer, trumpet, bass, recorder, and drums, they create an irreverent sonic fabric that balances humor, modernity, and musical reference traditions with precision.
Their work is defined by interplay and a conscious focus on timbre – making Chez Fria an exciting representative of Austria’s young jazz scene.

Interview: LINK

 

New Value Creation Study: Jazz as a Regional Economic Driver
That the Jazzfestival Saalfelden plays an important role not only musically but also economically is confirmed by the latest value creation study from the Salzburg Chamber of Commerce (WKS). According to the study, the festival draws around 17,000 visitors annually, generating significant economic impact in the region. The report highlights positive effects on the hospitality, gastronomy, and retail sectors, as well as enhanced image benefits for Saalfelden as a cultural and tourism destination.

 

Behind the Beats – Guided Tour for Children & Teens
A special program is designed for the youngest festival fans: the free guided tour Behind the Beats offers children and teens an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the festival on Saturday, August 23 at 12:00 (noon). How does a concert work from a technical perspective? Who ensures that sound and lighting come together perfectly at just the right moment? The meeting point is the Saalfelden Tourism Office – no registration required.