Andorra Jazz Festival Draws 6,400 Attendees in 42nd Edition Success

The 42nd edition of the International Jazz Festival Andorra Escaldes-Engordany concluded on Thursday with strong attendance figures, drawing 6,400 visitors—a 6.7% increase from 2025 and 44% more than the 2022 edition when the event was revived after a lengthy hiatus.

Cònsol Major Rosa Gili described the outcome as a clear success and a fully established commitment for the parish. "There was real demand for jazz," she said, noting the festival's status as one of Andorra's major cultural highlights. She pointed to robust ticket sales, including 199 season passes—the highest since 2022—and 66 blind subscriptions, reflecting growing public trust in the programming.

Culture Councillor Valentí Closa highlighted the five paid concerts, which attracted 2,613 attendees. Sold-out shows included performances by Paquito D’Rivera, Maria Schneider, and Thursday night's Porgy & Bess. Other events saw solid turnout: 2,140 at Plaça Coprínceps, 831 at Més Jazz, 604 at Andorra Jam, and 132 for the new cinema programme.

Earlier in the festival, which passed its midpoint over a packed weekend, acts like Émile Londonien Trio, Nils Landgren, Joshua Redman, and Lizz Wright drew near-capacity crowds. Paquito D’Rivera’s set adapted after Chucho Valdés fell ill, with clarinettist Anat Cohen stepping in alongside his US band. Closa praised the audience response, including international visitors from Portugal, Poland, and the UK, and keen local musician participation in post-concert jams.

Artists expressed enthusiasm for returning, with Joshua Redman voicing delight at revisiting the event. Closa noted an emerging "jazz atmosphere" in the parish.

Looking ahead to 2027, organisers plan to reintroduce a children's segment, including a pedagogical concert from the early revival years, while building on the jazz school's talent pipeline. The festival, first launched in 1985 after a Ray Charles concert, underscores Escaldes-Engordany's cultural dynamism and openness.