The aim of the project is to build upon the previously successful project called Visegrad Jazz Orchestra 2024, which sought to continue cooperation among leading jazz artists from the Visegrad Four (V4) countries by creating a large jazz orchestra. The main goal is to engage a new generation of composers—especially those writing original music for big bands—in preserving and reinterpreting the rich cultural heritage of each V4 nation. While jazz musicians from the V4 countries already maintain active bilateral connections, these are mostly limited to small ensemble formats. This initiative aims to fill that gap by offering young composers a broader transnational platform to present new works for jazz orchestra and by supporting instrumental performances from artists representing all four V4 countries. Given the generally unfavorable long-term development of jazz ensembles in the region, this type of support is considered an exceptionally valuable added benefit.

The Visegrad Jazz Orchestra is one of the pioneering initiatives that offers jazz composers and performers international recognition and support on a level comparable to classical music. Our ambition is to create systemic conditions that provide opportunities for young composers, enable the comparison of individual compositions, and facilitate guest appearances by soloists — thereby making a significant contribution to improving the current situation and enriching jazz culture in the V4 countries. Our platform offers not only a global stage for original compositions but also fosters collaboration among jazz performers from the V4 region. The Visegrad Jazz Orchestra is made up of experienced artists who lead their own projects and also provides opportunities for composers under 35 years of age. We strive to encourage young composers to create works that prominently incorporate elements of their native folk culture, allowing them to showcase the unique cultural heritage of the V4 countries through jazz music.

The Visegrad Jazz Orchestra Composition Contest offers the younger generation of composers a unique opportunity to express themselves through the creation of original works, arranged exclusively for the Visegrad Jazz Orchestra (VJO). The aim of this initiative is to build upon the tradition of musical creation focused on arranging and composing within the V4 countries. To foster creativity, an open call for submissions will be announced, targeting students and young composers from the V4 region. The network of jazz departments at music academies and conservatories—many of which are connected through the Erasmus programme—will be actively engaged. Public radio broadcasters will also play a key role in promoting the call for submissions. A jury composed of members of the Visegrad Jazz Orchestra will carefully evaluate all entries and select the three best compositions. These winning works will be premiered at an upcoming orchestra concert, giving the composers a rare opportunity to hear their music performed live. In addition to a financial prize, the winning composers will be invited to attend rehearsals and performances with the orchestra. This invaluable experience will offer them the chance to collaborate with the Visegrad ensemble and serves as a gateway to the professional music world.

The Visegrad Jazz Orchestra is a powerful symbol of regional cooperation, bringing together artists from all four V4 countries through their shared passion for jazz – a truly universal language that transcends borders. Jazz, by its very nature, promotes mutual communication without threatening personal or cultural identity. Through this common language, the orchestra becomes a unified body while reflecting the rich cultural diversity that each musician brings. This diversity supports the originality of the ensemble and fills it with lively creative energy. The Visegrad Jazz Orchestra is more than just a musical collective—it is a living testimony to the power of artistic collaboration between nations. Cultural exchange and shared creativity have the potential to strengthen regional cohesion and mutual understanding. The project not only showcases the exceptional talent rooted in the V4 region, but also demonstrates the ability of a shared artistic vision to coexist harmoniously and build bridges between cultures through the transformative power of music. It is this diversity that gives the ensemble its characteristic charm and fresh artistic vitality. In this context, the Visegrad Jazz Orchestra becomes more than just an ensemble – it becomes an expression of cross-border unity carried by the universal language of jazz.

The project builds on the success of its inaugural edition, which took place at the prestigious Czech-Slovak Jazz Festival in Přerov, Czech Republic. It was met with enthusiastic acclaim from jazz professionals, academics, and festival organizers alike. Inspired by this positive reception, the second edition will be held in 2025 in Bratislava, Slovakia. The success of the first edition was not only due to the quality of the project’s outputs—including the competition and final concert—but also to the extensive preparation behind the scenes. This involved thorough administrative work, detailed communication with academic institutions, the development of comprehensive competition guidelines for participants, and the creation of a clear evaluation system for the jury. One of the project’s key leaders is Matúš Jakabčic, a pivotal figure on the regional jazz scene who brings over 20 years of experience as the conductor of the CZ-SK Big Band. Among his notable achievements are four studio albums, a live recording from Vienna’s ORF Radiokulturhaus broadcast in 16 countries, and the acclaimed double album Room #555, released in 2022. The Visegrad Jazz Orchestra (VJO) was originally formed in 2014. Jakabčic assembled the ensemble by bringing together musicians from all V4 countries. Over time, the orchestra’s repertoire has grown to include works by other artists, such as Kornél Fekete-Kovács and his Modern Art Orchestra. Today, the VJO presents a balanced line-up of musicians from the individual V4 countries (5-Slovakia, 5-Czech republic, 5-Poland, 4-Hungary).

Yes, the project will implement a range of environmentally conscious measures to reduce its ecological footprint and promote sustainable development. We will prioritize digital communication and documentation to minimize paper consumption and reduce the need for transportation. Music scores will be read on tablets during orchestra rehearsals and performances whenever possible. In cases where tablets are unavailable, we will opt for recyclable paper. Rehearsal and performance venues will be chosen with easy access to public transportation in mind, to reduce emissions from individual car travel. When travel is necessary, we will give preference to train travel over air or car transport. We will also work with local suppliers and catering services that use seasonal and regional ingredients.