Final B-Jazz International Contest 2023 will take place at Jazz in 't Park in Ghent
Photo copyright Patrick Clerens ©

Final B-Jazz International Contest 2023 will take place at Jazz in 't Park in Ghent

This year's 30th edition of Jazz in 't Park, from Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 September 2023 in Ghent's Voorhavenpark, will host the final of the international jazz competition B-Jazz. Belgian and international bands will compete there for a coveted first place.

B-Jazz International Contest, or B-Jazz for short, is an international competition for young, talented jazz musicians organised by Muziekmozaïek vzw. The two Belgian preliminary rounds of that contest will take place this year at CC het SPOOR in Harelbeke and during Leuven Jazz. The final of the 43rd edition will be organised during Jazz in 't Park in Ghent.

In the Voorhavenpark, the two Belgian winners of the preliminaries will compete against four international acts. The winner will walk away with the Grand Prix Albert Michiels, named after the contest's founder, and will get playing opportunities on international stages. In this way, Muziekmozaïek and the City of Ghent want to give young jazz talent a boost.

Ivory anniversary

Everyone is welcome to come and watch the final live, spread over the first three days. After all, Jazz in 't Park, organised by the City of Ghent, is free to visit. The festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The full celebratory programme for the ivory anniversary will be announced later.

"In its 30-year existence, Jazz in 't Park has always focused on emerging talent alongside big names. Emerging talent that often later grew into a big name. With this collaboration, Jazz in 't Park is putting extra effort into that hallmark." Bram Van Braeckevelt, alderman for Festivities

"I have had a big heart for Jazz in 't Park from the very beginning. A free, high-level festival in a friendly atmosphere, perfect for bringing more people into contact with jazz and giving playing opportunities to promising and established musicians. Our collaboration will only reinforce this." Filip Verneert, director Muziekmozaïek vzw