On Wednesday, 26 August, Tivoli’s glorious Glass Hall opens its doors for the Tivoli Jazz Prize 2026, where the audience can experience the grant recipients performing live alongside the renowned Tivoli Orchestra. Expect an outstanding line-up of some of Denmark’s most prominent jazz musicians in a truly unique setting.
This year’s six award recipients
Ann Farholt & Simon Spang-Hanssen – Inspirators of the Year
Each receives DKK 25,000 from the Beckett Foundation.
With her warmth, irresistible swing and exceptional stage presence, Ann Farholt has shaped the Danish jazz scene for decades and consistently creates a genuine connection with her audiences. Ann is a true master of the jazz tradition, and her infectious joy for music brings hope, warmth and delight to everyone who experiences her performances.
Simon Spang-Hanssen is an exceptionally creative and original musician and composer whose infectious energy, curiosity and dedication have made him a central figure on the Danish music scene. Since the 1970s, Simon’s vibrant and expressive saxophone playing has consistently looked ahead, driven by its unmistakable boldness, imagination and forward momentum.
Casper Hejlesen – Innovator of the Year
Receives DKK 30,000 from the William Demant Foundation.
Combining exceptional technical command with strong artistic curiosity and a rapidly growing international career, Casper Hejlesen has established himself within just a few years as one of the most sought-after guitarists on the Danish and European jazz scenes. He combines a consistently high artistic standard with a rare maturity already making a significant mark on the jazz world.
Kat Jarby – Communicator of the Year
Receives DKK 20,000 from the William Demant Foundation.
As a manager, curator, project leader and organiser, Kat Jarby has created new opportunities for artists and has been a driving force behind numerous successful collaborations and international initiatives. Kat has made a significant contribution to the professionalisation of the industry and to strengthening the framework for artist management in Denmark.
Jeppe Zeeberg – René Daugaard Grant
Receives DKK 20,000 from René Daugaard Grant.
With discipline, courage and humour, Jeppe Zeeberg explores the possibilities of music and the piano, drawing inspiration from everything between ragtime and the avant-garde. Jeppe challenges both audiences and fellow musicians with a musical vocabulary that expands our understanding of the jazz piano tradition.
Rune Thorsteinsson – Children’s Jazz Prize
Receives DKK 30,000 from the Gangsted Foundation.
Rune Thorsteinsson is an exceptional communicator who, over many years, has developed innovative concert and educational formats in which audiences of all ages become active participants in the music-making process. Rune brings enormous experience to his work and performs at an exceptional level in everything he does.
Congratulations to all the recipients!
Developed in partnership between Tivoli and Jazz Danmark
The Tivoli Jazz Prize is a collaboration between Tivoli and Jazz Danmark, celebrating outstanding achievements in jazz through a series of grants made possible by the William Demant Foundation, the Gangsted Foundation, the Beckett Foundation and the legacy of René “Jean René” Daugaard. The Tivoli Jazz Prize has existed in its current form since 2023.