10. Internationaler Jazzhaus-Piano-Wettbewerb JAZZFESTIVAL FREIBURG 2026

"In Memoriam Waldi Heidepriem"

1st round: Mon 21.09. | 16:30 | E-WERK

2nd round: Tue 22.09. | 19:30 | E-WERK

Final round: Wed 23.09. | 20:00 | Jazzhaus

The International Jazzhaus Piano Competition takes place every two years as part of the Freiburg Jazz Festival in memory of the founding chairman of the Jazzhaus and pianist Waldi Heidepriem and is increasingly gaining its own international format. In 2026, we will be celebrating the 10th edition of the piano competition. Last year's prizewinners such as Vincent Meissner, Florian Favre, David Tixier, Lajos Toth and Rainer Böhm are proof of the quality of this competition.

The high-caliber jury, consisting of Olivia Trummer, Clara Haberkamp, Helmut Lörscher and Will Bartlett, will evaluate the pianists' playing in three rounds. In the final round, the audience will also have the chance to choose their favorite with 40% voting rights.

In addition to jazz standards, the participants will also perform their own compositions, partly in a trio formation, but also free improvisations. First place will receive prize money of €3,000, second place €1,500 and third place €500.

The 2026 competition is kindly supported by Haufe-Lexware, Sparkasse Freiburg and the Volker Homann Foundation.

The jazz festival is a cooperation between E-WERK Freiburg and jazzhaus Freiburg. The Freiburg Jazz Festival is funded by the city of Freiburg and the state of Baden-Württemberg and sponsored by Sparkasse Freiburg - Nördlicher Breisgau and the Ganter brewery.

Admission: The preliminary rounds are free of charge.
Admission to the final round: VVK: 13 €/17€ | B.O. 15 €/ 19 €