15–24 January 2026, Flagey, Brussels
Now in its eleventh edition, the Brussels Jazz Festival (15–24 January 2026) continues to affirm Flagey’s reputation as a forward-thinking jazz hub. Over ten carefully curated days, the festival invites listeners to discover an exceptional mix of new creations, world premieres and emerging talent from across Europe and beyond.
At the heart of this edition is Wajdi Riahi, the Belgian Tunisian pianist and composer named artist-in-residence. Riahi unveils three new projects: a fiery international all star quartet featuring Seamus Blake, Robert Jukič and Kweku Sumbry; a deeply personal solo recital weaving Tunisian roots into Brussels life; and Brass & Bow, a lyrical encounter between jazz trio, cello ensemble and trumpet.
The festival opens in grand symphonic fashion on 15 January with Danish guitarist Jakob Bro, who premieres new work for trio (with Mark Turner and Midori Takada), chamber choir and orchestra. Presented in partnership with De Bijloke and the Brussels Philharmonic, this world premiere will be broadcast live.
Throughout its ten-day run, the Brussels Jazz Festival balances intimate club atmospheres with large-scale productions. Highlights include Isaiah Collier, corto.alto, Milena Casado, Mu Quintet, Helena Casella, and Nabou Claerhout, alongside genre-bending acts such as Àbáse, Smag På Dig Selv and Immortal Onion. The program is designed so that no concerts overlap — a rare luxury allowing audiences to absorb every note and show on the agenda.
The closing weekend pays tribute to International Anthem, the Chicago-based label that, like the festival itself, celebrates its 11th anniversary. Performances by Tortoise, Tom Skinner, Ruth Goller (Skylla), and Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti & Frank Rosaly promise a finale where the creative energy of Chicago meets the openness of Brussels.
Late-night DJ sets by InSein Radio and Mab’ish extend the groove into the early hours. With its blend of innovation, discovery and European collaboration, Flagey once again proves that the Brussels Jazz Festival is a place where the future of jazz can be heard — one creation at a time.
More info and tickets: flagey.be/brusselsjazzfestival
