Thanks for another great year: Copenhagen Jazz Festival 2024 was a tribute to both musical and global diversity

Late Sunday night saw the end of the 45th edition of Copenhagen Jazz Festival. With its more than 1100 concerts in 10 days it turned out to be one of the best-reviewed editions ever. Copenhagen’s oldest music festival transcended the past and the present, generations and genders – and crossed paths with the world of classical music, Eastern spirituality, African-American music and folk traditions from other continents

New projects brought along new artistic and socially relevant dimensions: Concert theme Krydsklange gathered crowds in Kongens Have, while Song X lend a stage to the Nordic jazz scene of the future with talks and concerts in Byhaven. An international edition of Vingesus in Nordvest shone light on both Middle-Eastern music as well as conversations about solidarity at the Danish Refugee Council – meanwhile, an extended and popular round of Jazz for Kids took over Frederiksberg.

Headliners like bass- and queer icon Meshell Ngedeocello, the French-American vocal phenomenon Cécile McLorin Salvant, the sensitive songwriter ANOHNI, avantgarde pianist Myra Melford, drummer of The Smile fame Tom Skinner alongside spiritual saxophone legend Charles Lloyd each delivered terrific concerts and were rewarded with standing ovations and rave reviews.

Copenhagen Jazz Festival is also an annual celebration of the sprawling Danish jazz scene. The festival creates a massive influx of crowds and audiences for live jazz, whether its performed outdoors in the city’s many squares, plazas and gardens or indoors at the large array of venues.

Thanks to the audience, the musicians, the participating venues and organizers and to the festival’s many volunteers. Thanks to this year’s extended palette of foundations and sponsors who made it possible to produce yet another vast and diverse musical event in Copenhagen.

Foto: Nikolaj Bransholm / DR