10 new names for Jazz Middelheim 2025.
Legendary icons and boundary-pushing innovators.

Jazz Middelheim continues to build excitement for its triumphant return in 2025 with the announcement of 10 extra exceptional artists, each redefining the boundaries of jazz in their own way. From world-renowned icons to avant-garde pioneers, these new additions promise to make this year's festival an unforgettable celebration of musical discovery.
Newly announced:
Alina Bzhezhinska HipHarpCollective - Amanda Whiting - De Looze-Baron-Morgan-Roberts - Emma-Jean Thackray - Gotts Street Park - Jan Garbarek Group feat. Trilok Gurtu - Jeroen Van Herzeele & Stéphane Galland - Speakers Corner Quartet - Theo Croker - VAAGUE
Previously announced:
Amaro Freitas - Cinema Paradiso - Dee Dee Bridgewater - Elvin & Stéphane Galland - The Gallands ft. Selah Sue & DJ Grazzhoppa - ESINAM & Sibusile Xaba - Glass Beams - GoGo Penguin - Kahil El-Zabar Ethnic Heritage Ensemble - Marcos Valle - The Bad Plus

At the forefront of this announcement is Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek, a towering figure in contemporary jazz. Known for his transcendent sound that blends Scandinavian folk with the improvisational freedom of jazz, Garbarek's performances are nothing short of magical. His ensemble - featuring pianist Rainer Brüninghaus, bassist Yuri Daniel, and percussionist Trilok Gurtu - creates music that is intimate and expansive, evoking the pristine beauty of Nordic landscapes. Expect an afternoon concert of meditative soundscapes and boundary-pushing improvisation, delivered with Garbarek's signature clarity and intensity.
Joining the line-up is the ethereal harp artistry of Alina Bzhezhinska and Amanda Whiting, two harpists redefining jazz with their bold, innovative approaches. Alina, known for her HipHarpCollective, captivates with her genre-defying style, while Amanda blends classical training with contemporary jazz sensibilities. Together, they bring a fresh perspective to the harp's role in modern music.
Visionary trumpeter Theo Croker also takes the stage, seamlessly merging jazz, hip-hop, and R&B into a genre-defying experience. With collaborations spanning J. Cole to Dee Dee Bridgewater (who will also play Jazz Middelheim) Croker's electrifying performances and Grammy-nominated work promise to captivate audiences.
Belgium's own Jeroen Van Herzeele and Jazz Middelheim's artist-in-residence, Stéphane Galland, unite to deliver an exhilarating exploration of jazz fused with rock, acid jazz, and electronic elements. Armed with saxophones, modular synths, and drums, this duo embodies the spirit of experimentation, pushing the boundaries of live jazz performance.




South London's Speakers Corner Quartet brings their transformative blend of improvisation and innovation to Jazz Middelheim. With roots in Brixton's vibrant music scene and collaborations with luminaries like Sampha and Kae Tempest, their sound is deeply personal and undeniably powerful. The line-up also features the genre-blurring artistry of Emma-Jean Thackray, a multi-instrumentalist and producer hailed as one of the UK's most exciting jazz artists.
Belgian pianist Bram De Looze introduces a remarkable quartet featuring Joey Baron, Thomas Morgan, and Hank Roberts, promising a journey into uncharted sonic landscapes filled with curiosity, trust, and boundless creativity. Finally, drummer and composer Antoine Pierre will showcase his electronic project VAAGUE, blending jazz with bass music, jungle grooves, and cutting-edge technology for an immersive and futuristic soundscape.
Stay tuned, the full line-up of Jazz Middelheim will follow later.