Applications are now open for Young Jazz+, the long-standing section of the Istanbul Jazz Festival that supports young musicians. The deadline to apply for a chance to perform at the festival and be featured on the Young Jazz+ album is April 25.
Celebrating its 32nd edition, the Istanbul Jazz Festival continues its tradition of providing a platform for young musicians through Young Jazz+. Sponsored by Garanti BBVA, the festival will take place between July 1 – 18, while Young Jazz+, now in its 23rd year, offers amateur or semi-professional musicians and groups under 28 years old the opportunity to be part of the festival lineup.
Selected musicians and bands, chosen by a jury panel, will share the stage with international artists at the Jazz in the Parks concerts—free events held in different parks across the city. Additionally, they will earn a spot on the Young Jazz+ album, which is being produced for the fifth time with support from İKSV’s 50th Anniversary Young Artist Fund. Each selected band will contribute an original composition to this digital album, helping emerging talents gain recognition and further their careers on an international scale.
This year’s jury includes:
• Ayşe Tütüncü (musician)
• Selen Gülün (musician)
• Çağıl Kaya (musician)
• Nihal Saruhanlı (musician)
• Dr. Hakan Rauf Tüfekçi (radio host)
• Orhun Canca (Young Jazz+ musician & Aposto CEO)
• Sinan Sakızlı (producer)
• Harun İzer (Director of the Istanbul Jazz Festival)
Musicians and bands who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply: Under 28 years old, have not released a professional album and perform in genres such as jazz, funk, R&B, neo-soul, electronic music, hip-hop, or other improvisation-based styles
Applicants can submit both original compositions and reinterpretations of existing songs. However, to be featured on the album, musicians must submit an original song (lyrics & composition).
Application & Selection Process goes by this order: Candidates selected for the evaluation concert will be announced on Monday, May 5, via the festival’s website then the final list of musicians and bands to perform at the festival will be revealed after the evaluation concert on May 11. Applicants are encouraged to send a short email to the Young Jazz+ team (contact details available on the website) to confirm their intention to apply.
To take part in the Young Jazz+ auditions and have the chance to perform at the 32nd Istanbul Jazz Festival,
