Greizer JazzWerk

Jazz in the Vogtland

Greiz is the district town of the Greiz district in eastern Thuringia, directly on the border with Saxony. The former residential city of the Reuss princes is now one of Thuringia's hidden cultural strongholds with its two castles (Unteres Schloss, Oberes Schloss), the Sommerpalais in Greizer Park, and the Vogtlandhalle. In this setting, the Greizer JazzWerk has established itself as an international jazz festival since 1999 — supported by the Greizer Theaterherbst e.V. association, which already organizes the traditional Greizer Theaterherbst.

Workshop Character and Intergenerational Connection

The Greizer JazzWerk differs from commercial jazz festivals through its workshop concept. Young and older musicians — amateurs and professionals alike — work together during the festival days in two workshops: the JazzWerk Orchestra (large big band) and the Percussion Project (percussion ensemble). The results are presented to the public in a concert on the final evening. This concept has an educational aim and ensures the intergenerational connection of professionals and emerging talent.

Venues — Stadtkirche and Sommerpalais

The festival uses several Greiz venues. The Stadtkirche St. Marien — with its impressive baroque interior and concert organ — is the acoustically most valuable stage in the city. In addition, the Vogtlandhalle, the Sommerpalais in Greizer Park, and smaller cultural locations are used. This geographical diversity connects the festival with the city's geography and makes attending the festival a city walk through Greiz's cultural landscape.

26th Edition with Organ Week Cooperation in 2026

2026 marks the 26th edition. A special feature of this year: the opening takes place in cooperation with the organ week of the Stadtkirche St. Marien — Greiz organist Ralf Stiller plays together with jazz trombonist Antonia Hausmann. This crossover performance combines sacred music and jazz trombone and exemplifies the festival's motto of bringing jazz into dialogue with other arts and traditions.

The Eastern Thuringian Jazz Network

With the Greizer JazzWerk, Eastern Thuringia has found one of its few festival dates for ambitious jazz. While Leipzig (with the Leipziger Jazztage) and Dresden (Dresden Jazz Festival) cater to the major Saxon jazz events, the JazzWerk Greiz maintains its position as a small but high-quality festival — with international aspirations but a family atmosphere.