In the 1960s and 70s Copenhagen gained a reputation as an international jazz capital after numerous American jazz musicians set up home in Denmark. Names such as Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster and Thad Jones performed alongside Danish jazz musicians on the Copenhagen jazz scene and had a huge influence on the Danish music scene as a whole, not least in that they helped to promote a profusion of Danish jazz musicians, and Danish venues and festivals for jazz.

Copenhagen Jazz Festival, which takes place in summer, is still legendary and attracts a huge audience of jazz enthusiasts, who revel in the fortnight where the whole city is steeped in jazz. During the festival more than 500 concerts are cover all jazz genres from 15 open-air sets and 50 venues. In November, when the Copenhagen Autumn Jazz Festival takes off, the performances are held indoors. The Aarhus Jazz Festival is also worth a visit.

Throughout the year Denmark has a thriving jazz scene with many – and some very young – musicians playing gigs to a devoted public, which includes many young fans. Not only in Copenhagen, but also in the rest of Denmark’s cities, jazz is performed at both small and large venues. An fine example is the annual Århus Jazz Festival.

Jazz 7 days a week

Copenhagen JazzHouse is a hotspot for the Danish jazz scene, with performances of modern jazz and jazz-inspired music 3-7 days a week by some of the biggest international jazz names, along with Danish performers, established names and young talent.

More formal training in jazz has gained a new power centre at the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, just as all the regional music conservatories offer teaching in rhythmic music genres.

Search for venues and festivals

Copenhagen Jazz Festival
Århus Jazz Festival
Guide to Danish music scene
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