20th International JazzArtFestival Schwäbisch Hall 2026

The 20th Anniversary — Jazz in Schwäbisch Hall since 2007

The International JazzArtFestival started in 2007 as an initiative of the Schwäbisch Haller Jazzclub in collaboration with the Cultural Office of the City of Schwäbisch Hall, the Goethe-Institut, and the Konzertkreis Triangel. Over two decades, the festival has developed into one of the most renowned concert series for jazz and improvised music in Southern Germany — nine concerts over five days, embedded in the unique acoustics of the Hospitalkirche. The 20th edition runs from Wednesday, March 18, to Sunday, March 22, 2026.

The Hospitalkirche — A Sound Space with History

The Hospitalkirche in Schwäbisch Hall (Im Weiler) is a Gothic church building from the 14th century, originally part of the Heilig-Geist-Hospital. The intimate acoustics of the church space make it the perfect sound environment for jazz and improvised music — the JazzArt concerts are seated concerts with around 200 seats, and the musicians perform without great distance to the audience. This focus on sound in a historical space is the festival's hallmark.

Opening on Wednesday: Ketil Bjørnstad — The Norwegian Pianist from the Very Beginning

The opening on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 7 PM, features Norwegian pianist Ketil Bjørnstad with a solo piano evening. Bjørnstad — born in 1952 in Oslo, an ECM artist since the 1990s, known for meditative, melodic improvisations — already played at the very first JazzArtFestival in 2007. His performance for the 20th anniversary is a deliberate homage to the festival's early years and, at the same time, a highlight of the program.

Thursday: Leppinski3 and Tiny Brass Band

On Thursday, March 19, at 7 PM, Leppinski3 will perform — the trio centered around German bassist Agnes Lepp with saxophonist Lutz Häfner. At 9 PM, the Tiny Brass Band by saxophonist Magnus Mehl follows: a small brass ensemble with march and improvisation music in the tradition of New Orleans brass bands.

Friday: Viertaktmotor and Pulsar Trio

On Friday, March 20, at 7 PM, Viertaktmotor presents its program "Ändler". At 9 PM, the Pulsar Trio follows with the program "We smell in Stereo" — the experimental-oriented Berlin formation around pianist and composer Beate Sampson.

Saturday: Anke Helfrich Trio and Nils Petter Molvær

On Saturday, March 21, at 7 PM, the Anke Helfrich Trio performs — the German pianist with a long classical and jazz career. At 9 PM, Norwegian trumpeter Nils Petter Molvær takes the stage with his trio, performing the program "Stitches". Molvær is internationally regarded as one of the most influential jazz innovators of the last 30 years — a pioneer in connecting trumpet, electronics, and ambient music. His concert is one of the anticipated highlights of the anniversary.

Sunday: Matinee and Festival Finale with Gallowstreet

Sunday, March 22, begins with an unusual matinee concert at 11 AM: Lutenist Rolf Lislevand from Norway plays early 17th-century music in a jazz-improvised interpretation. The festival finale at 7 PM features Gallowstreet from Amsterdam — an Electrobrass collective that merges brass band tradition with electronic music and dance beats. A standing concert for a dancing atmosphere on the final evening.

Tickets and Festival Pass

Advance sales for individual tickets and the festival pass (early bird rate until January 31, 2026) are available through Reservix and at the box office. The festival pass covers all nine concerts and is the most economical option for regular attendees.