The BNPC was launched in 2014. It is open to young jazz ensembles performing instrumental or instrumental-vocal music, with all members aged 30 or under. The competition's standing is reflected in the calibre of musicians who have received awards over the years. The list includes artists who have since established strong and individual voices on Poland's jazz scene, among them Kuba Więcek, Marta Wajdzik, Dawid Kostka, Marek Konarski, Adam Zagórski, Dawid Tokłowicz and the group Horntet. Two years ago, the prize went to J.Tronix, while last year's winners were the Mateusz Kaszuba Trio. Who will be the next names to join them? We won't have long to wait.

Six ensembles have made it through to this year's final: Amphitrio, the Dominik Żydzik Quartet, the Glass Quartet, the Jakub Kołodziejczyk Quartet, the Michał Modrzynski Trio and Smrektet. The competition auditions will take place on 24-25 October from 1.30 pm (open to the public), with evening performances beginning at 8 pm on both days. The winners will compete for prizes including up to PLN 15,000 in cash, a concert in the Blue Note "New Masters" series and a live recording as part of the Blue Note Sessions project.

This year's jury brings together four respected musicians: saxophonist Maciej "Kocin" Kociński, who will chair the panel, and pianist Krzysztof Dys - both associated with Poznań and the city's Academy of Music - together with bassist Piotr Żaczek and drummer Paweł Dobrowolski. The four will also join forces as a band, performing for the audience at the close of the competition's first day. Their set will be followed by a jam session.

The following evening promises another major musical highlight, with Charlie Hunter and his trio taking the stage for the closing concert. Hunter is no stranger to Poznań: he appeared in the city in April, when his performance alongside the exceptional vocalist Kurt Elling enchanted the audience. His speciality is the hybrid guitar, an unusual instrument that he plays with extraordinary command. Depending on the model, it has seven or eight strings, allowing the player to combine bass and melodic lines while also playing chords. Mastering all of this calls for no small degree of virtuosity. Hunter will be joined by saxophonist Nate Clark and drummer Marcus Finnie.

Tomasz Janas

tranlated by Krzysztof Kotkowski

Blue Note Poznań Competition
24-25 October, Blue Note Jazz Club
for more, see: Blue Note Jazz Club (available in Polish)

© Wydawnictwo Miejskie Posnania 2026