#USA #New York #Leadership Transition #Jazz at Lincoln Center #Wynton Marsalis

Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC), the iconic institution known for its pivotal role in the world of jazz, has announced a significant change in its leadership. This marks a new chapter for the organization as Wynton Marsalis, who has been at the helm for nearly four decades, prepares to transition from his current role. Marsalis, the acclaimed trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, has been instrumental in shaping JALC into a powerhouse of jazz performance, education, and advocacy. The announcement, made by the Board of Directors on January 29, 2026, outlines that Marsalis will continue to serve as the Artistic Director throughout the 2026-27 season, after which he will take on an advisory role as Founder starting July 2027. His tenure officially concludes in June 2028, at which point he will maintain a lasting presence on JALC's Board. This leadership transition comes as the organization experiences significant growth and strength. It has successfully welcomed new musicians into the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and has sustained strong concert sales, a testament to its vibrant community and dedicated patrons. Additionally, JALC's educational initiatives have been flourishing, with programs such as Essentially Ellington and Let Freedom Swing gaining notoriety and expanding their reach nationwide. Amidst this transition, the Board has formed a committee in collaboration with Marsalis to identify the next generation of artistic leadership, while another committee will oversee the search for JALC's next Executive Director, following Greg Scholl’s departure in June. Both new leadership roles will work in tandem, reporting directly to the Board of Directors, which underscores the commitment to collective artistry and vision. Marsalis reflected on his time at JALC, stating, 'When we established Jazz at Lincoln Center in 1987, our goal was to build an enduring institution for jazz, an often-overlooked aspect of American culture. JALC has been the honor of a lifetime, and I am proud of our progress.' With the 2026-27 season on the horizon, Marsalis’s contributions to music and culture will be celebrated through a series of events. The lineup is set to be unveiled in February 2026, promising an exciting season that honors his remarkable career and lasting influence on jazz music. The future of Jazz at Lincoln Center looks promising under the guidance of new leadership, and the institution remains devoted to nurturing and advocating for the next generation of talent in jazz. As Marsalis stated, 'Our work will continue and remains as crucial as ever. I am energized by JALC's future as new leadership takes us to higher ground.' This transition not only signifies a change in leadership but also emphasizes the organization’s enduring commitment to jazz as an essential part of cultural heritage. As JALC approaches its 40th anniversary, it stands on the brink of new possibilities, with Marsalis’s legacy firmly embedded in its ethos, ensuring that the art of jazz continues to thrive and inspire future generations.