A Historic First in Paris: The Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz Competition Crosses the Atlantic

For the first time in its history, the Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz Competition—widely recognized as the premier proving ground for young jazz talent—is taking place outside the United States. On October 10–11, 2026, the prestigious event moves to Paris, France, hosted at the iconic Fondation Louis Vuitton.

This landmark international expansion highlights a truth long celebrated across the global Black diaspora: while jazz was born in local American neighborhoods, its pulse, influence, and community have always resonated worldwide.

Day 1: Amplifying the Next Generation of Jazz Vocalists

The celebration begins on Saturday, October 10 (1:00–5:30 p.m. Paris | 7:00–11:30 a.m. New York), with the Jazz Vocals Competition Semifinals. Eleven exceptional young vocalists representing six countries will perform live before an international judging panel of legendary vocal artists: Patti Austin, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Roberta Gambarini, Gretchen Parlato, and Gregory Porter.

Day 2: Competition Finals & A Star-Studded Gala Concert

On Sunday, October 11 (7:30 p.m. Paris | 1:30 p.m. New York), the weekend culminates with the Competition Finals and Gala Concert, hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons. The three finalists will compete for top honors, including the First-Place Scholarship presented by Fondation Louis Vuitton.

Following the competition, a world-class lineup of artists—including Herbie Hancock, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Gregory Porter, Arturo Sandoval, Patti Austin, Danilo Pérez, Terri Lyne Carrington, Monty Alexander, Ambrose Akinmusire, John Patitucci, Till Brönner, Nils Landgren, Tineke Postma, Walter Smith III, and more—will take the stage to honor jazz’s deep history and vibrant future.

Honoring Legends and Visionaries

The Gala evening centers on two key tributes reflecting the interconnected nature of music, architecture, and international community:

• The Founder's Award: Legendary trumpeter, composer, and longtime friend of the Institute Arturo Sandoval will receive the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz’s Maria Fisher Founder’s Award, honoring his lifelong virtuosity and contributions to global music.
• A Tribute to Frank Gehry: The evening will celebrate Frank Gehry, visionary architect of the Fondation Louis Vuitton and longtime Institute board member. Renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel will introduce the tribute to his close friend, which features the world premiere of "The Ever-Changing World"—a new piece by Danilo Pérez commissioned in Gehry’s honor.

A Global Moment, Accessible to All

By bringing together generations of creators at one of Paris's most celebrated architectural landmarks, this historic weekend celebrates France's extraordinary role in jazz history while offering a platform for rising global talent.