On its 10^th birthday, Jazz Forum in Stara Zagora is inviting some of the performers from its very first edition. The festival kicks off on 9 June, and, as always, the concerts will take place amidst the artifacts of the ancient forum Augusta Trayana in the centre of Stara Zagora.

Alongside musicians who are well known to jazz lovers in the country, the lineup also features some young musical talents. The musical styles on the first festival night will range from swing to bebop, from modern jazz to fusion. The guest performers from abroad include Steve Hamilton, piano, from Scotland, Gabriel Pierre, double bass and Gustave Reichert, drums and guitar, both from France.  

On June 10, the audience in Stara Zagora will be able to hear the Hungarian Modern Art Orchestra with a programme based on Fifteen Hungarian Peasant Songs by Bela Bartok, known for his enormous contribution in the sphere of ethnomusicology and his collection of dozens of peasant songs and tunes from all over the world which he considered to be his life’s work. On June 10 again is the concert called “To our 10”, a concert of generations, with the participation of renowned vocalist Peter Salchev and young singers from the town of Stara Zagora.

The final night of the festival will be dedicated to the magic of big orchestras, the organizers say. But, as is the tradition, the youngest audience will also have a place in the Jazz Forum. For them there will be “Jazz for children” on Saturday. Two jam sessions have also been planned – after the main concerts on Thursday and Friday.