Jõulujazz unveils 11-concert lineup

Estonia’s Jõulujazz jazz festival will stage 11 concerts featuring international and local musicians from Nov. 30 to Dec. 15, ERR reported.

The festival’s international programme includes Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen, performing under the vaults of Niguliste Church, and Swiss duo Levitation, whose members are Stefan Rusconi and Tobias Preisig. Their music brings together violin, organ and piano. Saulius Petreikis, Andre Maaker and Donatas Petreikis will perform a concert combining folk traditions, jazz and improvisation.

Michelle David and The True-tones will play at the Noblessner foundry, performing music from their new album, “Soul Woman,” as well as songs from their Christmas album, “It’s a Soulful Christmas.” Their previous Jazzkaar concert sold out, the organisers said.

Estonian musicians will explore styles ranging from classical music and jazz to ambient, neo-soul and indie. Violinist Hans Christian Aavik and pianist Karoliina Aavik will bring classical music and jazz together. Robert Jürjendal will mark his 60th birthday with Iris Oja and Raun Juurikas, while Jana Kütt will perform with a new lineup. Sten-Olle and friends will present material from his 2025 album, “Kehv keha.”

Special concerts include Alika’s new interpretation of Amy Winehouse’s music with Janno Trump and Estonian jazz musicians. “Aastaajad” will mark the 80th anniversary of Marju Kuut’s birth. Bianca Rantala has created a new interpretation of the album, to be performed at the festival by New Wind Jazz Orchestra, Susanna Aleksandra, Karmen Rõivassepp, Marianne Leibur and Heldur Harry Põlda.

The festival will open with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performing “Big Band Holidays.” Marsalis is appearing before an Estonian audience for the first time. His 2026 world tour will be his last as the orchestra’s artistic director.

Jazzkaar artistic director Anne Erm said this year’s programme ranges from big-band music to intimate performances, and includes world music, soul, jazz, classical music and new work by Estonian musicians.