In 1959, Whitney Balliett, a critic for The New Yorker, published a book on jazz entitled “The Sound of Surprise.” It’s a dazzling definition that seems perfect for describing TJF 2026.
Indeed, we expect surprises from the five TJF productions lined up for this year’s festival, three of which are original works – an objectively unique endeavor on the European scene: from the giant Bill Frisell’s meeting with the cinematic memory of Bill Morrison, to Funk Off’s dialogue with the new Vox Artificiosa quartet; from the captivating Francesca Tandoi with a string quartet, to Moni Ovadia, who for Liberation Day (April 25th) reconstructs, through words and music, the story of jazz in German prison camps.
There are many other surprises in store for this year’s festival as well, beginning with great jazz musicians like John Scofield, Norma Winstone, Fabrizio Bosso; the sensational return of the Italian Instabile Orchestra (quite simply the most important orchestra in the history of Italian jazz); and performances by the masters who have always amazed us, Bruno Tommaso and Franco D’Andrea. Let yourselves be astonished by the enchanted universe of Lisa Ullén, and by new talents including the Sliders, Federico Calcagno, and Morgenbarn. More surprises await us courtesy of the theater-infused jazz of Monica Demuru and Giorgio Li Calzi.
The surprises continue as numerous stars of Italian jazz play in the many venues across Torino, in a slew of free concerts. And keep an eye on Torino Futura: the “Young Orchestra of Free Sounds” is born; while a young board, a trio of young artistic directors, takes shape. Fans with physical disabilities will be amazed as they find themselves dancing in the Jazz Blitz with the CFM orchestra. And we’ll be celebrating the centenaries of Miles Davis and John Coltrane with rare films and discussions of their masterpieces.
Science has proven that the ability to marvel can improve both the length and quality of life. The Torino Jazz Festival, together with its artists and audiences, is committed to making that happen.