Bundesbegegnung Jugend jazzt

Jugend jazzt — Germany's Most Important Platform for Young Jazz Musicians

Since 1985, the German Music Council has organized the 'Jugend jazzt' competition, the counterpart to the well-known 'Jugend musiziert' for classical music. Every two years, the winners of the state competitions meet for the Bundesbegegnung – and in 2026, Halle (Saale) has been chosen. This is the second time the city will host the federal meeting, the first being in 2007.

The competition is open to big bands, combos, and soloists up to 27 years old. A jury of experienced musicians evaluates the performances – not in a 'first place' mode, but with detailed feedback that is often formative for the young ensembles. Those who stand out here receive invitations, scholarships, and airtime from media partner Deutschlandfunk.

Four Days, Four Venues in Halle

The city of Halle has selected central cultural venues for 2026: The Puschkinhaus on Große Brauhausstraße is the main venue for the big band competition. The Georgenkirche hosts the acoustic combo concerts, open-air sessions are held on the Peißnitzinsel in the Saale river, and the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg provides rooms for workshops and discussions. A dedicated Jugend-jazzt-Truck brings the festival to the market square with mini-concerts, making it accessible to passers-by.

Free Admission — A Conscious Decision

All events are free. This is part of the concept: Jugend jazzt should not take place in a concert hall bubble but should bring jazz into the city. Those planning a weekend in Halle can combine the Bundesbegegnung with visits to the Händel-Haus, Marktkirche, Roter Turm, and enjoy the spring atmosphere by the Saale. Halle is the largest city in Saxony-Anhalt, a university city with a vibrant off-scene and its own jazz tradition.