Written by The 38th Vilnius Jazz Festival is set to take place from October 15 to 19, 2025, in Lithuania’s vibrant capital, continuing its legacy as the oldest contemporary jazz and improvised music festival in the Baltic States. This year’s edition promises a rich and diverse program, featuring some of the most exciting currents in contemporary jazz alongside prominent international artists.
At the heart of this year’s festival is a remarkable focus on the US avant-garde scene and the most prominent voices of contemporary French jazz. This symbolic emphasis honors the ongoing cultural exchange between Lithuania and France, coinciding with the Lithuanian Culture Season in France 2024. Last year, Vilnius Jazz introduced Lithuanian audiences to a new generation of contemporary Lithuanian jazz musicians, highlighted by the acclaimed Improdimensija Orchestra led by Liudas Mockunas, collaborating with the iconic French improviser Marc Ducret. This fruitful dialogue continues into 2025 with several linked projects.
The festival opens on October 15 with a concert by the distinctly original Bonbon Flamme led by French cellist Valentin Ceccaldi, alongside a joint performance by the Improdimensija Orchestra featuring Marc Ducret and Lithuanian saxophonist Liudas Mockunas, representing a vibrant cross-cultural fusion of Lithuanian and French musical creativity.
Improdimensija Orchestra led by Liudas Mockunas
On October 16, the program spotlights Dominique Pifarély and François Couturier, two titans of contemporary French jazz renowned for their exploratory approach to chamber jazz; pairing with the powerful US ensemble Irreversible Entanglements, known for their compelling blend of avant-garde jazz and socio-political poetry. This day reflects the strong thematic throughline of cultural and musical dialogues central to the festival.
October 17 features the visionary trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith performing with pianist Sylvie Courvoisier, a pairing that promises a compelling mix of spirituality, innovation, and breathtaking improvisation. The same evening sees the debut of “Vilnius Triptych: Conversations with Light,” a unique Lithuanian program, adding a local contemporary edge to the event.
Sylvie Courvoisier and Wadada Leo Smith
The festival’s penultimate evening on October 18 is dedicated to the William Parker Heart Trio, a formation of one of the most revered figures in avant-garde jazz, renowned for his boldness and depth in free jazz expression. Additional performances include Llaki Trio with guest artists Flavia Huarachi and Luka Zabric, offering a blend of international sounds crossing boundaries between Bolivian, Slovenian, and Lithuanian jazz traditions.
On the festival’s closing day, October 19, festival-goers can experience the “Vilnius Jazz Young Power” contest, showcasing the most promising young jazz talents in Lithuania—a platform that has become essential for nurturing upcoming artists. The European leg of the festival closes with performances by the dynamic Julien Desprez-led ensemble Abacaxi from France and the adventurous American group The Young Mothers, who have drawn comparisons to Weather Report and John Zorn for their liberating and unbridled music.
Young Mothers
In addition to the live performances, the festival includes a jazz-themed film program, Vilnius Jazz Screen Beats, presenting a retrospective of acclaimed American music filmmaker Robert Mugge, whose works include documentaries on Sonny Rollins and Sun Ra, as well as a documentary on the legendary London jazz club Ronnie Scott’s by British filmmaker Oliver Murray. These cinematic highlights deepen the connection between jazz’s musical and cultural narratives.
A special treat for the festival audience is a lecture by Philippe Ochem, former director of the prestigious Jazzdor festival, presenting insights into contemporary French jazz. His participation underscores the festival’s commitment to fostering education and a deeper understanding of jazz’s evolving language alongside its live experience.
Vilnius Jazz Festival 2025 stands as a testament to the city’s importance as a nexus for avant-garde jazz, cultural exchange, and innovation in contemporary improvised music. It continues to build on a remarkable history of presenting boundary-stretching projects, emerging talents, and established innovators shaping the sound of modern jazz.
The full programme and ticket information are available on the official festival website.
Last modified: October 10, 2025
