The Contemporary Sounds of ‘A Jazz Supreme’

 

The ninth edition of ‘A Jazz Supreme,’ the contemporary jazz festival organized by Musicus Concentus under the artistic direction of Simone Graziano and Fernando Fanutti, is returning to Florence and will bring some of the most exciting projects on the Italian and international scene this autumn. Between the historic Sala Vanni (piazza del Carmine 14) and the evocative Sala del Paradiso of the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (piazza Duomo 9), the festival will once again showcase jazz in its most vibrant form.  All performances start at 9:15 pm.

The program opens on October 3 at Sala Vanni with ELEkTRA, the new project by singer and composer Camilla Battaglia, winner of Soundwall’s Best Album of 2024. Inspired by archetypal female figures from mythology and literature, Battaglia’s five-part suite blends acoustic and electronic textures with her ensemble of leading Italian musicians. The evening begins with Bilico, the jazz duo of Jacopo Fagioli (trumpet) and Nico Tangherlini (piano).

On October 11, British-Bahraini trumpeter and composer Yazz Ahmed takes the stage with her quartet for her only Italian date. Described internationally as the “priestess of Arab psychedelic jazz,” Ahmed fuses jazz with electronic sounds and her Arabic heritage, creating music that bridges cultures. Opening the evening will be Alessandra Diodati’s voice-and-electronics project To Be Born, inspired by the research of Demetrio Stratos.

The celebrations continue on October 17 with the 10th anniversary of ENEMY, the acclaimed piano trio of Kit Downes, Petter Eldh, and James Maddren. Known for their complex, ferocious style, the group has just released their new live album Fiend. Supporting them is the electro-acoustic duo Maria Cortesi (vocals) and Edoardo Ferri (guitar).

The festival then moves to the Sala del Paradiso for two special concerts. On October 30, bandoneonist Daniele Di Bonaventura presents Ritus, a pathos-filled project that blends sacred songs, Mediterranean flavors, and improvisation. Finally, on December 11, Florentine pianist Stefano Maurizi closes the program with Nomad, a deeply personal solo project inspired by the Korean artist Gwang Moku.

Each ‘A Jazz Supreme ‘concert in Sala Vanni will also be introduced by performances from promising young Italian jazz musicians — a vital platform for emerging talent and a central mission of Musicus Concentus.

Info, schedule, and reservations: www.musicusconcentus.com