Applications Open for Young Jazz+ at the 32nd Istanbul Jazz Festival

Organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) with the sponsorship of Garanti BBVA, the 32nd Istanbul Jazz Festival will take place from July 1 to 18. Applications are now open for the festival’s long-standing program, Young Jazz+, which provides a platform for emerging musicians.

Kübra Nur Nilüfer – Culture and Arts Editor

Celebrating its 23rd edition this year, Young Jazz+ continues its tradition of supporting young musicians, welcoming applications from artists working in jazz, funk, R&B, neo-soul, electronic music, hip-hop, and cross-genre improvisation. Selected ensembles will have the opportunity to perform at the 32nd Istanbul Jazz Festival and be featured on the Young Jazz+ album following the festival. The application deadline is Friday, April 25.

Providing a stage for musicians and ensembles under the age of 28 who are engaged in music either as amateurs or semi-professionals, Young Jazz+ offers a chance to be part of the festival lineup. Selected participants will take the stage alongside international artists at the Jazz in the Parks events, held in different neighbourhoods of Istanbul, and will be featured in the Young Jazz+ 25 album.

Musicians and ensembles wishing to take part in the Young Jazz+ auditions, to secure a performance slot at the festival and be included in the album, can find detailed information at caz.iksv.org. Applications can be submitted via an online form available on the website.

Supported by the İKSV 50th Anniversary Young Artist Fund, the Young Jazz+ album will be released for the fifth time this year. Each selected group will contribute an original composition to the album, which will be available on digital platforms. With this initiative, talented and promising young musicians will receive support in their creative and professional development, helping them to amplify their voices beyond Turkey. The Istanbul Jazz Festival also establishes various collaborations to further support the careers of Young Jazz+ finalists. In this context, Alân and Blue Kiss Collective, finalists of the 2024 Young Jazz+ competition, will take the stage at the 2025 Akra Jazz Festival. All previous Young Jazz+ albums are available to listen online.