First International Acts Revealed for Aberdeen Jazz Festival 2026

We’re delighted once again to welcome an incredible range of international talent to Aberdeen Jazz Festival 2026! With early-bird tickets on sale Wednesday 10 December, here’s a first look at some of the outstanding artists joining us in March.

Paulina Przybysz

Saturday 7 March 2026
7:00pm — Lemon Tree

An extraordinary singer, songwriter and composer with over 20 years of stage experience, Paulina Przybysz brings her latest project Insides to Aberdeen. The album—released on 1 March on her label calm courage—sees her reinterpreting jazz standards that shaped her earliest musical identity.

For this special performance, Przybysz is joined by leading musicians from Poland’s vibrant new-generation jazz scene:

• Marek Pędziwiatr – piano & synths

• Tymon Kosma – vibraphone

• Wiktoria Jakubowska – drums

• Olaf Węgier – tenor saxophone

• Krzysztof Baranowski – double bass

Expect a night of stunning, Polish-inspired contemporary jazz.

Synesthetic4

Friday 20 March 2026
10:30pm — The Blue Lamp

Austrian quartet Synesthetic4 blend nu-jazz, experimental hip-hop and contemporary electronica into a fluid, forward-thinking sound. Founded by Peter Rom and Vincent Pongracz, their music moves seamlessly between intensity and playful eccentricity.

Their acclaimed work includes Pickendem—winner of the German Record Critics’ Award—and they recently earned the inaugural Austrian Jazz Prize. Their new album Bread marks an exciting shift, embracing bold new directions beyond their previous conceptual work.

Expect inventive grooves, sharp turns and an electrifying live presence.

“...pleasant, incalculable energy fields of eccentricity.” — Der Standard
“...pushing the boundaries between rap and scat.” — JazzJournal

David Helbock & Julia Hofer

Friday 13 March 2026
7:00pm — The Blue Lamp

Austrian pianist David Helbock, known for his inventive textures and percussive approach, joins forces with Vienna-based bassist and cellist Julia Hofer. Helbock’s international career spans major festivals and accolades including awards from the Montreux Jazz Festival, while Hofer is known for both her musical versatility and her wide-reaching online audience.

In this rare Scottish appearance, they present their new ACT Music album Faces of Night: a mix of atmospheric originals and rhythm-driven jazz that highlights both artists’ distinctive musical voices.

“Impossible not to be swept along by the verve, humour and inventiveness.” — JazzJournal (UK)