Jazzfestival Saalfelden, August 21–24, 2025: Celebrating Courage, Risk, and Innovation

Over the past few weeks, we have sparked curiosity with selected program highlights – and now we are thrilled to present the full line-up for the 45^th edition of the Jazzfestival Saalfelden: From August 21 to 24, a weekend full of surprises, experimentation, and inspiring encounters awaits you, featuring 184 artists from 26 nations.

In addition to popular formats such as the already sold-out "We Hike Jazz" hike led by bassist Lukas Kranzelbinder, the experimental “Shortcuts”, and the free "City Tracks" throughout town, visitors can also look forward to more unique concert locations. A highlight remains the concert hike to the atmospheric 17th-century hermitage high above Schloss Lichtenberg – a magical place that captivated audiences last year and will again be an integral part of the festival in 2025.

Just last month, Jazzfestival Saalfelden received the EJN Programming Award 2025 – a recognition of its artistic vision rooted in a commitment to experimentation and innovation. This award is not only praise for achievements so far but also a mandate to keep going – to continue exploring where music transcends boundaries, surprises, and opens new spaces. A central feature of the festival continues to be the support of new projects and constellations, many of which have their world premiere here.

Pioneers of Improvised Music – Sonic Exploration on the Mainstage

The sonic exploration on the Mainstage will be kicked off by the creative mind Leonhard Skorupa. Known for his projects Sketchbook Orchestra, AHL6, and the ensemble Kuhle Wampe – and celebrated as the “young rebel of Austrian jazz” (Ö1) – Skorupa brings an original commissioned work to its world premiere with an all-star line-up featuring Silke Eberhard, Kirke Karja, Robert Landfermann, and Leif Berger – a transnational sound project bridging Austria, Germany, and Estonia.

Also embarking on unconventional paths is Kalle Kalima under the fitting title “Detour.” As part of his "Carte Blanche," the Finnish guitarist meets Argentinian keyboardist Leo Genovese and German drummer Christian Lillinger. This high-energy encounter unites three strong musical voices, moving between structure and spontaneity, composition and free form.

Premieres, Perspectives, and Personalities

Tomoki Sanders, child of jazz legend Pharoah Sanders, will give their eagerly anticipated European debut in Saalfelden. Drawing on African American and Japanese roots, Tomoki’s music blends elements of Great Black Music, electronic, and avant-garde. After years performing with Kassa Overall and various other projects, Tomoki now presents – for the first time live – music from an album announced for 2026, alongside an impressive band.

Another special event marks the European premiere of an extraordinary quartet: Reid Anderson and Dave King (both founding members of The Bad Plus) meet Chris Potter and Craig Taborn. Their focus lies on the music of Keith Jarrett’s American Quartet – not as a nostalgic tribute, but as a forward-looking exploration of a musical state of mind.

Patricia Brennan (vibraphone/marimba, Mexico/USA), one of today’s most distinctive voices, will perform in Saalfelden with her acclaimed septet project “Breaking Stretch” on the Mainstage, joined by musicians such as Jon Irabagon, Adam O’Farrill, and Dan Weiss. Brennan will also appear in a trio set as part of the Shortcuts series.

Open Spaces – Encounters and Premieres

The festival remains in 2025 a playground for musical encounters: Teis Semey meets Kirke Karja in an improvised session at the bookbindery Fuchs, and performs with his large-scale project “EN MASSE!” on the Mainstage. Laura Jurd not only presents her new album but also performs in two unusual duo formations – once at the hermitage with Jon Irabagon, and again in the forest with Nicolas Leirtrø. Many other constellations will celebrate premieres, exploring the vibrant space between improvisation and composition.

Of course, Saalfelden also provides a stage for Austrian musicians:
Chez Fria, “Nothing Causes Anything” by Vincent Pongracz, Lukas König in duo with Kasho Chualan, Alfred Vogel with the BEZAU BEATZ Orchestra of Good Hope, as well as in the trio “Eyes to the Sun” with Leo Genovese and Camila Nebbia.

“Der kürzeste Weg” (eng.:The Shortest Way) at the Jazzfestival Saalfelden – Making Memory Audible

The project “Der kürzeste Weg” (eng.: The Shortest Way) by Rosa Andraschek and Simon Nagy tells the story of Karl Reinthaler, a railway worker who resisted the Nazi regime. Five permanent audio stations in public spaces throughout Saalfelden recount his story, while a sixth station in the park Urslaupark features a composition by Lukas Kranzelbinder and Sun-Mi Hong – a sound memorial dedicated to ten other resistance fighters.

During the festival, this piece will be performed live on three days by Kranzelbinder, Hong, and other bass-drum duos – exclusively at the bookbindery Fuchs.

Audience Talk: Friday, August 22, 11:30 a.m., bookbindery Fuchs
With Lukas Kranzelbinder, Rosa Andraschek, Simon Nagy
Moderation: Hildegard Fraueneder