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"The finale takes on a whole new dynamic on Friday night."

Marian Märki09-17-20263 min. read

This week brings a special highlight on the Moods calendar: the ZKB Jazz Prize Festival. The 24th edition of Switzerland’s most lucrative jazz award for emerging artists kicks off on Sunday. In this interview, our booker Bigi explains how the selection process works and what’s new this year.

The ZKB Jazz Prize Festival is a six-day event brimming with music and talent, during which six nominated bands perform before a jury of national and international experts and a wide audience, competing for the prize money of 15,000 francs.The festival is a special event not only for the nominated bands but also for the Moods team. Our booker, Brigitta Grimm, is one of the people behind it. In this interview, she’ll tell you what you can look forward to, what’s new, and what else is exciting.Bigi, the nominated bands have been announced. What can jazz fans look forward to most this year?Here’s to another strong issue, as always. The six selected groups impressively demonstrate just how diverse the young Swiss jazz scene sounds today. From large-scale ensemble arrangements to electronic influences and surprising chamber music-like textures, it’s all there. In my view, it’s precisely this stylistic openness that makes the ZKB Jazz Prize so exciting.You were part of the committee that selected the bands. What did you focus on?That’s not an easy question to answer. We try to cover the full spectrum of the current young music scene, from western to eastern Switzerland. First and foremost, we look for music that moves us in some way and that strikes us as fresh and innovative. We see the potential in all six nominated bands to establish themselves on national and international stages.You played a leading role in selecting the jury, which once again features a stellar lineup this year. What factors should be taken into account?Diversity is important to us. That is why, as in previous years, we have invited guests from a variety of fields: active female musicians, international experts, media representatives, and a member of the audience. This leads to engaging discussions and diverse perspectives on music.Das Festival versteht sich seit jeher als Plattform für den Nachwuchs. Spürt man diesen Anspruch auch 2026?Absolutely. It’s been about much more than just choosing the best band for a long time now. Many past participants are now established figures in the Swiss music scene. We want to offer young musicians a stage where they can showcase their artistic identity while gaining valuable experience.One change only becomes apparent at second glance: The finale isn't taking place on Thursday this time.Yes, that’s actually a change. This year, the grand finale is moving to Friday. We wanted to try this out this year because a Friday evening brings a whole different energy. From our perspective, it gives the finale an even stronger sense of being the festival’s highlight and makes it easier for many visitors to enjoy the evening without constantly checking the time.What are the expected benefits?We’re expecting a special atmosphere. A Friday night brings a different crowd and a different energy. This makes the finals an even greater gathering place for the entire scene. The two finalist bands can look forward to a setting that does justice to the competition’s stature.Is there a moment at the festival that you absolutely shouldn't miss?It’s hard for me to single out any one specific moment. Of course, I’m looking forward to the finals. The traditional jury concerts, which are taking place on Thursday this year, are also something special. But to be honest, the most magical moments often happen during the preliminary rounds. That’s where you discover bands you may have never heard of before—and who suddenly blow you away. It’s exactly these surprises that make the ZKB Jazz Prize Festival so appealing.

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