Jazzkonkurrencen 2026

At Jazz6000, we take great pride in helping the freshest and wildest shoots of the jazz scene step into the spotlight. For this reason, we have for many years hosted the Jazz Competition, organized in collaboration with Jazz Denmark. At Jazz6000, we always cheer for them all—and hope you will do the same!

As part of the competition, the participating bands will give concerts at Godset in Kolding, Dexter in Odense, Huset in Aalborg, and Montmartre in Copenhagen.

The participants have been selected from a strong field
The selected participants were chosen through an open application process and selected by artistic staff from the four venues, manager, curator and band coach Kat Jarby, as well as Jazz Danmark. There were 29 relevant applications for this year’s jazz competition, so the panel has had its work cut out during the selection process.

The selected finalists are:

ELJO
In the borderland between the acoustic and the electronic, ELJO creates a sonic universe drawing on elements from both modern Nordic jazz and minimalist electronic music. An atmospheric soundscape that is both contemplative, repetitive, and full of momentum, where all elements – electronic as well as acoustic – are performed live on stage. In 2025, the duo released their debut album Merging, which received warm reviews from All That, JazzNyt, and Bands of Tomorrow, and was added to the rotation list on P8 JAZZ.

Purpur
Purpur consists of seven members whose individual musical points of departure create the band’s distinctive sound. Purpur is a life project that invites the listener into an exploratory musical universe. Danish-language lyrics and horn arrangements rooted in the Nordic tradition are fused with pulsating rhythms inspired by various musical cultures, from afrobeat to folk and jazz, along with electronic elements that characterize Purpur.

Venya
Venya is a band whose music moves freely between neo-soul, jazz, and pop, where the improvisational elements of jazz merge with pop’s groove and energy. The band’s distinctive sound is built on both acoustic and electronic elements – always with a sharp focus on lyrics and melody. Venya’s music reflects the identities of six different young musicians, and although genre boundaries are challenged, it remains accessible and relatable to the listener. With energy, intimacy, and catchy melodies, Venya is a breath of fresh air on both the Danish and Nordic jazz scenes.

The jazz competition takes place here:
13 February – Huset, Aalborg – Get a free ticket here
17 March – Dexter, Odense
5 May – Jazz6000/Godset, Kolding – Get a free ticket here
27 May – Final concert at Jazzhus Montmartre, Copenhagen

The main sponsor of the Jazz Competition is Gangsted Fonden.