JazzAscona 2026 Among the Most Successful Editions in Recent Years

Ascona, 4 July 2026 – The 42nd edition of JazzAscona came to a close on Saturday evening in front of large and enthusiastic crowds. Blessed with excellent summer weather, the festival enjoyed consistently high attendance throughout its ten-day run, attracting an estimated 50,000 visits.

Once again, the lakeside town of Ascona delivered the unique atmosphere that has defined JazzAscona for more than four decades. Concerts, street parades, spontaneous encounters and shared moments of celebration filled the historic centre and waterfront, drawing an exceptionally diverse audience. Alongside loyal festival-goers, this year’s edition welcomed a remarkable number of younger visitors, highlighting JazzAscona’s ability to evolve while remaining true to its character.

The programme succeeded in appealing both to dedicated jazz aficionados — many of whom welcomed the festival’s renewed emphasis on straight-ahead jazz — and to a broader audience. Numerous performances left a lasting impression. Among them were the captivating sets by New Orleans singer Angélique and by Emma Nissen, a truly remarkable vocalist whose powerful gospel concert deeply moved audiences. 
Audiences also responded enthusiastically to performances by rising trumpet star Anthony Hervey, trombone legend Fred Wesley and acclaimed pianist Antonio Faraò. Among the highlights of the festival’s closing days were bassist Vincen García, widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents on today’s international scene, and the refined ensemble led by Adonis Rose featuring New Orleans vocalist Phillip Manuel.

According to Festival Director Nolan Quinn, JazzAscona’s success lies in its ability to balance tradition and innovation. “Our connection with New Orleans remains at the very heart of the festival,” Quinn notes, pointing to the presence of numerous Louisiana artists as well as long-standing collaborations with cultural institutions and schools in the Crescent City. At the same time, he believes continuous renewal is essential: “Finding fresh ways to reimagine JazzAscona is one of our greatest challenges. The vitality of today’s music scene—especially in New Orleans—allows us to introduce new ideas and experiences while staying true to our roots.”

This philosophy is also reflected in the festival’s commitment to emerging talent. A notable example is Swiss pianist Manon Mullener, who first appeared in JazzAscona’s Groovin’Up young artists programme three years ago and returned this year to receive the Swiss Jazz Award—a tangible illustration of the festival’s long-term investment in new generations of musicians.

The 2026 edition also marks the end of Guido Casparis’ fourteen-year tenure as President of JazzAscona. “I leave with a touch of nostalgia, but above all with great satisfaction for what has been achieved,” said Casparis. “I am handing over a festival that is artistically, financially and organisationally in excellent shape.”

Among the achievements he values most is the festival’s fully free admission policy, which has helped attract new audiences and make live music accessible to a wider public.

“JazzAscona is not simply a concert series; it is a shared experience that brings an entire community together.”

Casparis also highlights the strengthening of ties with New Orleans, a relationship formally recognised through the twinning of the two cities in 2022. That connection was clearly visible again this year through the presence of numerous Louisiana musicians and the visit of Alana Harris, Deputy Director of the City of New Orleans Office of Cultural Economy. Harris delivered a message from newly elected New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, who acknowledged JazzAscona’s contribution to promoting New Orleans culture and music throughout Europe.

Another positive development was the festival’s refreshed visual identity. The new branding was warmly received by the public, with one particularly telling indicator: the entire stock of official festival T-shirts sold out three days before the event ended.

With another successful edition now complete, attention already turns to next year. The 43rd edition of JazzAscona will take place from 24 June to 3 July 2027, continuing a tradition that for more than forty years has built a unique cultural bridge between Ascona and New Orleans through music, exchange and friendship.