London-based CREATURE. won the 2026 Jazz in the Park Competition in Cluj-Napoca (18 to 20 September), with Romania's AMPHITRIO taking second place and the Best Romanian Band Award. The 12 finalists, from 7 countries, were selected from 306 applications from 50 countries and played free open-air concerts in Central Park in front of an international jury.

Every finalist received a €1,000 fee, with travel and accommodation covered, and the competition offered over €50,000 in prizes and opportunities. CREATURE. takes home €6,000, a concert at Jazz in the Park Festival 2027 and the closing concert of next year's competition, while AMPHITRIO will also play the festival in 2027.

Thank you to the EJN members who shared the open call with their musicians this spring. If you programme emerging acts and want to hear more about any of the finalists, we are glad to make introductions.

In September 2027 the competition celebrates 10 years with two new elements:

1. a separate club section with 9 finalists and a €3,000 prize, set in a speakeasy-style space in the park's historic Casino building;
2. a group of 10 invited programmers and booking agents who will lead daytime sessions for the musicians and follow every concert.

If you would like more details, please write to alin@fapte.org.

Photo: CREATURE