As summer fades and autumn settles over the Principality, Monaco is preparing to host one of its most anticipated cultural events of the year. The 19th edition of the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival will take place from November 20 to 29, 2025, in the legendary Salle Garnier, offering a rich, genre-blending program that celebrates the spirit of jazz in all its forms — freedom, improvisation, and openness to the world.
The festival will open on Thursday, November 20 with a free concert by students of the Rainier III Academy, continuing a beloved tradition that gives young, local talents the chance to perform on one of the most prestigious stages in Europe. Admission is free, though advance reservations are strongly recommended.
On Friday, November 21, French singer Gabi Hartmann will set the tone for the festival with her distinctive blend of jazz, folk, pop, and world music. Later that same evening, acclaimed trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf will present a moving tribute to Egyptian diva Oum Kalthoum, fifty years after her passing. Inspired by the magic of the Arabian Nights, Maalouf’s performance promises to be one of the emotional high points of the festival. Tickets for the double bill are priced at €100.
The following night, Saturday, November 22, jazz royalty arrives in Monaco with a performance by bass legend Stanley Clarke, whose revolutionary work in jazz fusion has left a lasting mark on the genre. He’ll be followed by the high-energy French funk-pop band Deluxe, known for their extravagant shows and infectious grooves. Tickets for the evening are available for €90.
On Sunday, November 23, the world-renowned Harlem Gospel Choir will fill the Salle Garnier with the powerful, spiritual sound of African-American gospel music. Their performance, celebrating both the sacred and socially conscious roots of the genre, is priced at €70.
The festival will take a reflective turn on Monday, November 24, when French film critic and director Thierry Jousse presents a special lecture titled “Jazz in Cinema,” in collaboration with the Monaco Audiovisual Institute. This cinematic journey through the role of jazz on the big screen will be open to the public for just €12.
After a short break, the music returns on Wednesday, November 26 with a celebration of Caribbean and Latin rhythms. Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander, a master at blending jazz with reggae, will perform a set rich in island influences. He will be joined by Colombian salsa star Yuri Buenaventura, whose smooth yet politically charged style has earned him international acclaim. Tickets for the evening are priced at €100.
On Thursday, November 27, Swiss vocalist Lea Maria Fries, known for her sophisticated jazz-pop sound, will open the evening before British trip-hop pioneers Morcheeba take the stage. With their signature blend of soul, jazz, and electronic textures, Morcheeba promises a night of nostalgic depth and cool sophistication. Entry for the double bill is €100.
Friday, November 28 will feature a trio of jazz legends in an evening that blends elegance and soul. The iconic barefoot organist Rhoda Scott returns to Monaco, joined by acclaimed jazz vocalist David Linx. The night continues with French favorite Michel Jonasz, who will revisit his classic hits with the help of longtime collaborators Manu Katché on drums and Jean-Yves d’Angelo on piano. Tickets for this richly layered performance are €100.
The festival will draw to a poetic close on Saturday, November 29, with a set by Les Égarés — a collective of Ballaké Sissoko, Vincent Segal, Émile Parisien, and Vincent Peirani — whose improvised fusion of jazz and traditional world music defies genre boundaries. The final act of the evening, and of the festival, will be Asaf Avidan, whose raw, haunting voice and emotionally charged lyrics promise a stirring conclusion. Entry for the closing night is €100.
With its bold programming, eclectic lineup, and celebration of jazz in all its global and evolving forms, the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival 2025 is set to be one of the most dynamic and inclusive editions yet. For full program details and ticket reservations, visit the official Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival website.
