From its inception, Polish jazz has had its own voice. From post-war pioneers to today’s genre-defying trailblazers, it has blended Slavic melancholy with modernist expression.

This unique identity is reflected in our artists — a compelling mix of voices including Joanna Duda Trio, whose cinematic soundscapes weave acoustic jazz with electronic experimentation; O.N.E., a trailblazing all-women ensemble; vocalist Aga Zaryan’s trademark intimacy and nuance and Pawel Kaczmarczyk Trio, an unmissable piano trio. Acclaimed saxophonist Marta Wajdzik joins Alan Benzie in a Polish/Scottish musical meeting. Finally, the stellar Maciej Obara presents a masterclass whilst Piotr Smith talks about the history. The programme presents a vibrant snapshot of Polish jazz and invites you to discover the soul of a scene that resonates far beyond its borders.

Part of the 2025 Uk/Poland Season organised by The British Council, The Adam Mickiewicz Institute and The Polish Cultural Institute, financed by The Ministry Of Culture And National Heritage and The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Poland.

Polish Jazz Focus

EJBF Development & Strategy Manager Gerard Mehigan reflects on the upcoming Polish Focus in EJBF25.

Every year EJBF seeks to offer something distinctive—not just musically, but culturally. We hope our Polish Focus will do just that, opening a window into one of Europe’s most dynamic jazz scenes.

One of the most rewarding aspects of presenting an international focus is the journey of discovery, deepening our collective musical vocabulary, giving artists a stage they deserve, and giving audiences an experience that a Spotify algorithm could never deliver (but let’s not delve into that just now). It’s also a joy to watch artists discover our beautiful city, audiences and historic venues and to see their creative spirits rise to the occasion. 

Even though Poland has been pushing creative boundaries in jazz for decades, in the UK, it’s still all too rare to see artists from the Polish scene represented on festival stages. Our international programmes are unique, allowing you to explore a national scene in depth, from emerging voices to world-renowned names.

The Polish artists presented in this year’s programme are all stylistically very different, but I guarantee they are all equally as compelling. Each one offers a different lens on what jazz in Poland looks and sounds like in 2025.

While I’ll stay impartial, here’s a quick guide to help you find your way through the programme

Out of the tradition – if you’re drawn to lyricism and elegant arrangements:

Aga Zaryan is Poland’s most internationally recognised jazz vocalist, blending American jazz tradition with Polish literary depth. Paweł Kaczmarczyk Trio are a classic piano trio rooted in the tradition but ever evolving and packed with creativity and virtuosity.

Towards the Edges – for fans of boundary pushing music:

Joanna Duda Trio present music that is both architectural and lyrical with electronic soundscapes whileImmortal Onion blend jazz, math rock and prog. I should also note that they are playing with L.B.T. which will be a ridiculously fun double bill. Also the only gig inThe Famous Spiegeltent that we are taking the seats out for!

Rising Voices - Curious about what’s next in Polish jazz? Look no further for fresh perspectives:

O.N.E. is an all-female jazz ensemble combining Polish folk motifs with post-bop and they are making a big name for themselves in the Polish scene while phenomenal young saxophonist and composer Marta Wajdzik presents a collaborative project with top Scottish musicians - cue musical fireworks.