#Paris #France #International Competition #Jazz Vocals #Herbie Hancock Institute

2026 Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz Vocals Competition

The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz proudly announces the semifinalists for the highly anticipated 2026 Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz Vocals Competition, taking place on October 10-11 at the renowned Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. This event marks a significant moment in the competition's history, as it will be held outside the United States for the very first time since its inception nearly four decades ago.

The Competitors

A total of eleven exceptional young jazz vocalists from diverse backgrounds will take the stage, showcasing their talent globally. Selected from hundreds of applicants, the semifinalists are:

1. Joie Bianco - Staten Island, New York, USA
2. Anouk Chemla - Paris, France
3. Lucy-Anne Daniels - Leeds, United Kingdom
4. Georgia Heers - Greenville, South Carolina, USA
5. Courteney Hooper - Adelaide, Australia
6. Kate Kortum - Houston, Texas, USA
7. Kristin Lash - Bratislava, Slovakia
8. Zhenxuan 'Jimmy' Lin - Guangzhou, China
9. Malou Oheix - Nantes, France
10. Ashley Pezzotti - Miami, Florida, USA
11. Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim - Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA

With six of the nine semifinalists hailing from countries outside the United States, this year's group demonstrates the global nature and cultural richness of jazz music.

Event Details

The semifinals will unfold on Saturday, October 10, from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Each contestant will perform three songs for a panel of esteemed judges, including celebrated jazz vocalists like Patti Austin, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Gregory Porter. With each performance lasting about 15 minutes, artists will not only present jazz pieces but also incorporate one non-jazz song into their repertoire, showcasing their versatility. Accompanied by a talented rhythm section featuring pianist Carmen Staaf, bassist Ben Williams, and drummer Kendrick Scott, vocalists will have the opportunity to explore their artistic expressions deeply.

The three finalists selected from this round will advance to the Competition Finals, slated for the evening of October 11 at 7:30 p.m.. Here, the finalists will compete for more than $100,000 in scholarships and prizes, including a $50,000 first-place award. This gala event will close with an All-Star Concert, featuring legends such as Herbie Hancock and Monty Alexander. Additionally, the Maria Fisher Founder's Award will recognize Arturo Sandoval for his remarkable contributions to jazz and music education.

Significance of Jazz in Paris

This milestone event highlights Paris's rich jazz heritage, acknowledging its status as an international hub for jazz musicians. The competition coincides with significant anniversaries in jazz history, honoring the centennials of musical icons Miles Davis and John Coltrane, both of whom have left indelible marks on the genre. Throughout the years, Paris has served as a haven for countless jazz artists seeking inspiration and new opportunities.

Access and Livestream Options

While the tickets for the events have sold out, jazz enthusiasts worldwide can still participate through livestreaming options. The semifinals and finals will be broadcasted online, allowing audiences from all corners of the globe to join the celebration of jazz innovation and talent.

More information about the competition and the performers can be found at the Herbie Hancock Institute's website. This prestigious competition promises not only an exciting showcase of raw talent but also a heartfelt tribute to the cultural legacy of jazz.

As the world looks forward to this remarkable gathering of artistic brilliance, the 2026 Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz Vocals Competition stands as a testament to the power of music in fostering community and celebrating diversity.