The History of Jazz in the Park Competition
Since its beginning in 2015, the Jazz in the Park Competition has been a launchpad for young national and international jazz artists, providing them with the opportunity to perform in front of thousands of people and take their careers to the next level. Over the years, it has become one of the most significant jazz competitions in Europe, attracting talents from all over the world.
A Platform for Growth
The competition has been instrumental in discovering and promoting new jazz talent, offering not just cash prizes but also nationwide tours, invitations to top European festivals, and industry recognition. Winners have gone on to perform across Europe, using this competition as a springboard for their careers.
Milestones & Highlights
- 2015-2019: The competition evolved from a local initiative to an international contest, featuring artists from multiple countries. Each year, winners signed contracts for festival performances across Europe.
- 2023: A record-breaking edition with 212 bands from 35 countries, a return to Cluj’s iconic Central Park, and Romanian bands making a strong impact. Poland’s KLAWO took home first prize.
- 2024: The most recent edition welcomed 249 applicants from 39 countries, with French band Daoud taking the grand prize. Held in the heart of Cluj, the competition bro
The Competition Today
Each year, the Jazz in the Park Competition continues to support, connect, and inspire emerging jazz musicians, proving that the future of jazz is bright. With generous prizes, performance opportunities, and an engaged audience, this competition remains one of Europe’s top events for young jazz artists.
Winners by Year
| Year | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | Special Prizes / Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | HoTClub de Cluj (RO) | FUNKorporation (RO) | 3 O’clock (RO) | Special Prize for Composition: Funk’e Fetish |
| 2016 | Cali Quartet (RO) | Secret Formula (RO) | Koszika & The Hotshots (RO) | Special Prize for Composition: Szanto Lorant Attila |
| 2017 | Antal Gábor Trio (HU) | Paolo Recchia Trio (IT) | Hences Quartet (RO) |
Best Vocalist: Diana Săveanu (Infusion) Best Instrumentalist: Markosi József (Lilin Quartet) Best Arrangement: Onișor Rodila (The Roots) |
| 2018 | Frankiez Experiment (IT) | Fekecs Akos Project (HU) | Lucia Rey Trio (ES) |
Best Vocalist: Kovacs Dalma (Dalma) Best Instrumentalist: Petru Haruta (The B-Groove) Best Arrangement: Soular Quartet |
| 2019 | Fraktale (PL) | Ehud Ettun Trio (IL) | MING (FR) |
Best Jazz Composition: Project "Connections" Best Instrumentalist: Michaela Turcerová, Jean-Paul Estievénart, Sergiu Chirileasa |
| 2023 | KLAWO (PL) | JazzQuarters Trio (RO) | NAUSYQA (NL) – prize offered by Iabilet.ro |
Best Composition: Andrei Petrache Trio (RO) – prize offered by Meze Audio Best Instrumentalist: André Breidlid (KAU Trio), Patricia Marchiș (Marquis Noir), Tamás Jurisits (Tamás Jurisits Group), Kristo (Kristo) – prize offered by Audio Technica |
| 2024 | Daoud (FR) | Lyder Røed Quintet (NO) | Magro (DE) |
Audience Award: Zouratié Koné Trio (BE) Best Romanian Band: Nonconformist Anthology (RO) Best Composition: Jazz Family Trio “Shekband” (UA) |