Cully Jazz Festival Unveils Star-Studded Lineup for 42nd Edition
Cully Jazz Festival Unveils Star-Studded Lineup for 42nd Edition
The Cully Jazz Festival has revealed the program for its 42nd edition, set to take place from April 4 to 12, 2025, along the shores of Lake Geneva. This year’s lineup boasts an impressive roster of international talent, including Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés, American guitarist John Scofield, British jazz vocalist Stacey Kent, Lebanese-French trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf, Senegalese legend Youssou N’Dour, and Armenian jazz virtuoso Tigran Hamasyan.
Jean-Yves Cavin, co-director of the festival, described the programming as a “diverse panorama of high-quality music,” emphasizing its global reach beyond Europe. The festival will kick off with a performance by Chucho Valdés and his Royal Quartet, joined by Lausanne-based bassist and vocalist Louise Knobil as the opening act.
Youssou N’Dour & Le Super Etoile de Dakar, one of Africa’s most iconic acts, will bring their electrifying rhythms to the stage. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Maalouf will present his latest project, Trumpets of Michel-Ange, a fusion of folklore and modernity that promises to captivate audiences.
John Scofield’s trio will explore a wide-ranging repertoire, blending original compositions, rock and blues classics, and jazz standards. Stacey Kent, known for her velvety voice, will showcase a collection of eclectic voice-and-piano duos, offering a more intimate musical experience.
The festival will also feature the return of British-Nigerian artist Jacob Banks, whose soulful performances are celebrated for their raw authenticity. Ben L’Oncle Soul will take the stage with tracks from his latest album, while the collaborative project PianoForte, featuring Baptiste Trotignon, Bojan Z, Eric Legnini, and Pierre de Bethmann, will highlight the versatility of the keyboard.
Tigran Hamasyan will present his new work, The Bird of a Thousand Voices, a mesmerizing blend of improvised jazz, metal, and Armenian folk traditions.
At the Temple venue, audiences can look forward to Davide Ambrogio’s interpretation of Calabrian ritual chants, which honor tradition while embracing contemporary influences. Lausanne-born pianist Sylvie Courvoisier, now an internationally acclaimed artist based in New York, will perform in a duo with American guitarist Mary Halvorson. Another standout collaboration will feature Ballaké Sissoko and Piers Faccini, alongside blues legend Eric Bibb.
The Next Step stage, dedicated to emerging talents, will spotlight Brussels-based rapper Peet and poet, author, and activist Aja Monet. The Blackbyrds, celebrating their 50th anniversary, will reunite with founding members Keith Killgo and Joe Hall. Kyoto Jazz Massive, a trailblazer of the 2000s acid jazz scene, will also make a highly anticipated return after reforming in 2022.
In addition to the main stages, the festival will host free concerts across 15 cellars and pop-up venues, with the full program to be announced on February 13.
The 42nd Cully Jazz Festival promises to be a celebration of musical diversity, uniting legendary artists and rising stars in a picturesque setting by Lake Geneva.
Cully Jazz Festival Unveils Star-Studded Lineup for 42nd Edition
The Cully Jazz festival, renowned for its unique blend of artistic excellence adn community vitality, has unveiled its star-studded lineup for its 42nd edition. Scheduled to take place from April 4 to 12, 2025, along the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva, this year’s program promises to be a festivity of global jazz heritage. The lineup boasts an notable roster of international talent, including renowned musicians such as Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés, American guitarist John Scofield, British jazz vocalist Stacey Kent, Lebanese-French trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf, Senegalese legend Youssou N’Dour, and Armenian jazz virtuoso Tigran Hamasyan.
Under the direction of jean-Yves Cavin and the festival’s dedicated team, the 42nd edition of the Cully Jazz festival will embark on a diverse panorama of high-quality music. This globally inclusive programming reinforces the festival’s mission to bridge cultural and musical boundaries, offering an enchanting experience for audiences from all over the world.
The Cully Jazz Festival is more than just a music event; it is indeed a vibrant celebration of life, art, and community.With its picturesque setting, rich cultural events, and delectable local cuisine, this year’s festival promises to be a transformative experience that combines the beauty of jazz with the stunning Swiss landscape. The festival’s commitment to fostering connections between locals and visitors through various community-driven events, workshops, and activities highlights its dedication to creating a sense of belonging among music lovers.
As the festival showcases the dynamic and eclectic world of jazz, attendees will have the chance to enjoy a wide range of artistic expressions that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. With its history of nurturing both established icons and innovative newcomers,the Cully jazz Festival continues to remain at the forefront of the international jazz scene,offering an unforgettable experience that transcends borders and captivates hearts.
Mark your calendars for the 42nd edition of the Cully Jazz Festival to be part of this unusual event that honors the spirit of jazz while enriching your cultural journey. Join us in Cully as we revel in the magic of music and the beauty of Switzerland’s Lavaux region. The anticipation is palpable, and the wait is nearly over – welcome to the Cully Jazz Festival 2025, where every moment will be an unforgettable symphony of sound and joy.
Conclusion
The Cully Jazz Festival, a beacon of musical excellence and community spirit, has unveiled its star-studded lineup for its 42nd edition. From April 4 to 12, 2025, this esteemed festival will once again transform the picturesque village of Cully into a vibrant canvas of jazz, blending tradition with innovation. The lineup boasts an impressive roster of international talent,including Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés,American guitarist John Scofield,British jazz vocalist Stacey Kent,Lebanese-French trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf,senegalese legend Youssou N’Dour,and Armenian jazz virtuoso Tigran Hamasyan.
This diverse panorama of high-quality music underscores the festival’s global reach, extending far beyond European borders. The programming promises a dynamic experience, with each act contributing uniquely to the musical tapestry. The opening performance by Chucho Valdés and his Royal Quartet, joined by Lausanne-based bassist and vocalist Louise Knobil, sets the tone for an exhilarating journey through various genres and styles.
Youssou N’Dour & Le Super Etoile de Dakar will electrify the stage with their iconic rhythms, while Ibrahim Maalouf’s latest project, trumpets of Michel-Ange, will captivate audiences with its fusion of folklore and modernity. john Scofield’s trio will explore a wide-ranging repertoire that blends original compositions, rock and blues classics, and jazz standards. stacey Kent’s intimate voice-and-piano duos will offer a unique musical experience that appeals to all tastes.
the festival also highlights emerging talents at the Next Step stage, featuring Brussels-based rapper Peet and poet author activist aja Monet, as well as The Blackbyrds celebrating their 50th anniversary with founding members Keith Killgo and Joe Hall. Kyoto Jazz Massive’s highly anticipated return after reforming in 2022 promises to revitalize the acid jazz scene.
beyond the main stages, free concerts across 15 cellars and pop-up venues will be announced on Febuary 13, ensuring that every corner of this charming village vibrates with music.the 42nd Cully Jazz Festival is more than just a celebration of musical diversity; it is an event that unites legendary artists and rising stars in a picturesque setting by Lake geneva, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
the Cully Jazz Festival 2025 promises to deliver an unparalleled blend of artistic excellence and community vitality. Mark your calendars for April 4-12, 2025, and get ready to immerse yourself in the rich, eclectic sounds that have made this festival a beloved tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer, the Cully Jazz Festival is a must-attend event that harmonizes the beauty of jazz with the stunning Swiss landscape, creating memories that will last a lifetime[1][2][4].