A packed Jazzhus Montmartre set the stage for the final of Jazzkonkurrencen 2026 on Wednesday night, where Purpur emerged as this year’s winners following an intense and dramatic evening of live music.
Over the spring, the three finalists - ELJO, Purpur and Venya - have performed concerts in Odense, Aalborg and Kolding as part of Jazzkonkurrencen. The programme culminated in Copenhagen, where the final returned to the legendary Jazzhus Montmartre after one year in Kolding.
The evening featured three distinct musical visions, ranging from Venya’s soulful and pop-infused fusion jazz to ELJO’s minimalist yet rhythmically complex universe and Purpur’s folk-inspired take on melodic Nordic jazz.
The final also took an unexpected turn when Purpur had to leave the stage shortly into their set due to a medical incident within the band. Following a quick reshuffle by participants, staff and crew, ELJO stepped in before Purpur later returned in a slightly altered line-up to complete their performance.
A band with a capital B
After deliberation, the jury - consisting of Nanna Ruus, Sophie Amalie “Fimmer” Engell and William Littauer - announced Purpur as the winners of Jazzkonkurrencen 2026.
“Tonight’s winners are truly a band with a capital B. They have undergone tremendous development. They are both courageous and playful, and their music is already incredibly exciting for audiences to listen to,” the jury stated.
Purpur received a prize of 10,000 DKK for a self-chosen project, three shows across Denmark during the Vinterjazz festival as well as an EP recording including mixing at The Hideout Studio in Aalborg.
The band reflected on the experience afterwards: “When we were selected for Jazzkonkurrencen, we had massive imposter syndrome, but it has been such a welcoming and educational experience. We have so many future plans that suddenly feel much more achievable because of this prize.”
About Jazzkonkurrencen
Jazzkonkurrencen is a development programme for musicians under the age of 30 focused on strengthening participants’ networks, live experience and insight into the music industry through concerts, feedback sessions, coaching and a shared bootcamp.