The eighth annual Monte Carlo Jazz Festival opens on Nov. 26 at Salle Garnier in the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. This celebrated festival brings together established masters and rising stars across five days of concerts and special events.
Highlights of the program include the debut of “Mehliana,” a new collaboration from pianist Brad Mehldau and drummer Mark Guiliana, along with a performance by the Juan Carmona & Larry Coryell Quartet. Bassist and composer Marcus Miller will appear with the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, offering a distinctive fusion of jazz and orchestral textures.
On Nov. 28, guitar legend John McLaughlin and percussion virtuoso Zakir Hussain mark 40 years of musical partnership with a performance by Remember Shakti. The reunion of this influential 1970s ensemble is one of the festival’s cornerstone events and a rare opportunity to hear their genre-defying blend of jazz and Indian classical music.
Nov. 29 is set aside to showcase emerging voices from the contemporary European jazz scene. Featured artists include Italian pianist Raphael Gualazzi and pianist Eric Légnini, alongside Kellylee Evans, the Canadian singer of Jamaican descent whose distinctive voice has earned her a reputation as a leading vocalist of a new jazz generation.
The Monte Carlo Jazz Festival program combines headline concerts, collaborative projects and opportunities to discover new talent, making it a focal point for jazz lovers seeking both tradition and innovation. Venues and schedules across the five-day run allow audiences to experience intimate performances and larger-scale productions in the elegant setting of Monte Carlo.
Whether you follow the established names or are eager to hear emerging artists, the festival offers a varied lineup that reflects contemporary trends in jazz while honoring the genre’s rich history. Attendees can expect technically accomplished performances, inventive arrangements, and moments of spontaneous improvisation that define live jazz.
Planning a visit: performances take place at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo’s Salle Garnier and other festival venues. Check local listings or the festival box office for ticket information and program details, as schedules and artists may be subject to change.
The Monte Carlo Jazz Festival continues to be a prominent event on the international jazz calendar, attracting audiences who appreciate high-caliber musicianship, creative collaborations, and the unique atmosphere of Monte Carlo’s cultural scene.
You may also like:
Monaco: Princely Pleasures
Monaco: Motor Racing