Istanbul luring global music lovers with jazz festivals 

From 3rd to 18th July 2024, the Istanbul Jazz Festival, curated by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) and generously supported by Garanti BBVA, promises to dazzle with an eclectic celebration of jazz in Istanbul. Over a span of 16 days, the festival will delight audiences with nearly 40 performances featuring over 200 acclaimed local and global musicians, including stars like Gregory Porter, Chris Isaak, Joshua Redman, YolanDa Brown, Arlo Parks, Baptiste Trotignon, and the Modern Art Orchestra with Kornél Fekete-Kovács.

Jazz Returns to the Heart of Istanbul

Iconic venues across Istanbul, including the Esma Sultan Mansion, Sultan Park – Swissôtel The Bosphorus, the Rahmi M. Koç Museum, Palais de France, and the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre, are set to create unforgettable connections between artists and jazz enthusiasts. The festival’s diverse offerings are as vibrant as ever, featuring the much-anticipated Jazz Boat journey along the Bosphorus and the enchanting Jazz Night in Pera in Beyoğlu. Venues in Kadıköy like Dorock XL, Moda Sahnesi, Kadıköy Cinema, Kadıköy Sahne, and The Wall will pulse with the energy of local jazz culture.

Festival Highlights

Gregory Porter
Monday, 8 July

Gregory Porter brings his unique blend of jazz, country, gospel, R&B, and funk back to the stage. Celebrated for revitalizing jazz, Porter is set to captivate audiences at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre with his soulful melodies and poignant lyrics that have earned him global acclaim.

Chris Isaak
Friday, 12 July

Chris Isaak, known for his heartrending tunes and a unique rock and roll aura reminiscent of film noir, will grace the Istanbul Jazz Festival for his first-ever performance in Türkiye at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre, in an evening supported by Garanti BBVA.

Joshua Redman Group feat. Gabrielle Cavassa
Tuesday, 16 July

Joshua Redman, the acclaimed saxophonist, alongside Gabrielle Cavassa and his talented band, will deliver an evening of timeless jazz at The Marmara Esma Sultan Mansion, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable musical experience, supported by SNOC.

YolanDa Brown
Wednesday, 10 July

The Swissôtel The Bosphorus terrace will resonate with the vibrant, improvisational tunes of British-Jamaican jazz sensation YolanDa Brown, in an event brought together with the support of Clifford Chance and Ciftci Attorney Partnership.

Arlo Parks
Tuesday, 9 July

Arlo Parks, renowned for her evocative storytelling and soulful melodies, will perform for the first time in Türkiye at Sultan Park – Swissôtel The Bosphorus, promising a night of poetic musical landscapes.

Baptiste Trotignon / Nilüfer Verdi Trio
Friday, 5 July

The Palais de France will host an exceptional night with jazz virtuoso Baptiste Trotignon and Nilüfer Verdi, Türkiye’s pioneering female jazz pianist, showcasing their extraordinary talents and groundbreaking music, supported by Mastercard.

Modern Art Orchestra feat. Kornél Fekete-Kovács // Kaan Çelen Trio
Thursday, 4 July

Featuring a rich contemporary music program, the Modern Art Orchestra, alongside jazz prodigy Kaan Çelen, promises to offer an electrifying start to the festival at this year’s edition, celebrating the rich tapestry of jazz.

Bringing a celebratory vibe to the enchanting nights of Kadıköy: An Evening Out with a Plus One

The Istanbul Jazz Festival’s cherished Evening Out with a Plus One tradition promises to light up a Kadıköy night once more, guiding attendees through the pleasant evening air into a musical journey as the night unfolds. This event, set for Thursday, 18 July, will feature a kaleidoscope of feelings and musical genres across venues like Dorock XL, Moda Sahnesi, Kadıköy Cinema, Kadıköy Stage, and The Wall. Highlighting this festive evening are performances from acts such as Baby’s Berserk, Thomas Azier, Gevende, Korhan Futacı, Coşku Turhan Trio, Eve Dönüş Yok, Yangın, Min Taka, and Brek, promising the most dynamic evening of the festival.

The Jazz Ferry: Istanbul’s Exclusive Jazz Experience

Embark on a unique jazz journey where the ferry’s horn, seagull calls, and the majestic views of the Peninsula set the scene for an unforgettable part of the Istanbul Jazz Festival. The ferry journey is transformed into a multi-stage venue, showcasing an eclectic mix of jazz performances, dance, and vibrant energy. Greeting passengers at Kabataş Pier will be the lively tunes of Istanbul’s own swing group, Brassist. The voyage offers a diverse musical lineup, from the soulful Ragtime and Dixieland melodies by Karambola to the captivating rhythms of Russia’s The Big Rhythm, topped off with engaging DJ sets. The Jazz Ferry is set to sail from Kabataş Pier on Sunday, 14 July.

Jazz Across the Parks

Jazz in the Parks returns as one of the Istanbul Jazz Festival’s most anticipated events, inviting music aficionados to immerse themselves in a day of musical delight. Esteemed bands from Türkiye and around the globe will perform in the city’s verdant spaces, transforming them into vibrant festival sites for the day. On Saturday, 6 July, the Hungarian ensemble Duckshell and the festival’s Young Jazz Musicians of 2024 will entertain audiences at the Beylikdüzü Valley of Life. The full schedule for the Jazz in the Parks series will be revealed in April.

A Night of Jazz in Pera, Istanbul’s Historic Soul

The historic side of Istiklal Avenue, overlooking the Golden Horn, will come alive with jazz tunes emanating from three distinguished Pera venues, enriching Istanbul’s magical ambiance. On Wednesday, 17 July, Minoa Pera (housed in the historic Union Française building by Alexandre Vallaury), Pera 77, and Salon İKSV, each a beacon of the city’s vibrant music scene, will host unique performances by Kristjan Randalu Absence Trio, Can Çankaya Trio, and Dilek Sert Erdoğan, making for an unforgettable jazz evening in Pera.

Ticket Information

Festival tickets are available for purchase online via the official ticket provider, Passo (passo.com.tr), or at the İKSV ticket office. Tulip Card holders can enjoy early access to ticket sales from 29 February to 4 March, with general sales commencing on Tuesday, 5 March at 10:30.

Garanti BBVA credit card holders can benefit from a 10% discount on tickets starting 5 March.

Thanks to the Eczacıbaşı Youth Ticket initiative, students can purchase tickets at a special price of 20 TL.

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