From 13 to 17 July 2025, the International Jazz Platform – a combination of workshops, concerts, and networking events – will take place in Łódź. This annual gathering brings together members of the improvised music community – students, acclaimed instrumentalists, promoters, and experts – to build relationships, exchange experiences, and play together. The four days of meetings will culminate in a series of concerts performed by international jazz ensembles.
International Jazz Platform in Łódź and Oslo
Each year, over 100 musicians and professionals come to Łódź for the International Jazz Platform to collaborate, exchange experiences, and engage in educational seminars and jam sessions. The initiative is aimed particularly at emerging artists involved in improvised music. It offers a space for the creative exchange of knowledge and inspiration, as well as opportunities to connect with peers and other members of the European music community.
Between 6 and 8 November 2025, the International Jazz Platform will also be held in Oslo. Participants selected through an open call will take part in masterclasses, educational meetings with industry representatives, and perform at concerts at the Nasjonal Jazzscene in Oslo.
Panel discussion during the International Jazz Platform in Łódź, photo: Mikołaj Zacharow.
Workshops for Young Musicians
During the Łódź edition of the International Jazz Platform, participants will have the opportunity to attend workshops led by mentors – internationally recognised musicians:
- Kaja Draksler, Slovenian pianist and composer, known for her innovative blend of jazz, classical music, and free improvisation.
- Savannah Harris, American drummer, composer, and producer, acclaimed for her dynamic fusion of jazz traditions with independent and experimental music.
- Tomasz Dąbrowski, Polish trumpeter and composer, recognised for his expressive playing and inventive fusion of jazz, Eastern European folk, and avant-garde influences. He plays both the trumpet and the Balkan trumpet – a historical instrument that gives his performances a unique tone.
- Manuel Hermia, Belgian jazz musician, composer, and improviser, known for his mastery of the alto, soprano, and tenor saxophones, flute, and bansuri (a traditional Indian bamboo flute). Based in Brussels, Hermia blends jazz traditions with diverse influences from world music, including Indian, Arabic, and African sounds.
- Per Zanussi, Norwegian jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to contemporary jazz.
Workshops during the International Jazz Platform in Łódź, photo: Mikołaj Zacharow.
Live Music – Jazz Concerts and Jam Sessions
Each day of workshops, meetings, and seminars concludes with a series of jazz concerts by international ensembles and jam sessions.
- 14 July 2025 – Concerts: Children of Fish Malina Midera / Val Jeanty / Gard Nilssen Acoustic Unity
- 15 July 2025 – Concerts: Marcel Baliński Trio / matter 100 / Kleive Aarset Storløkken
- 16 July 2025 – Concerts: Draksler Bach Masecki / Mentors’ Concert / ØKSE
- 17 July 2025 – Concerts: INTL Jazz Platform Final Concert / Andreas Røysum Ensemble
