ByteFM Special: Elbphilharmonie Jazz Academy 2025

Every two years, Hamburg hosts the international Elbphilharmonie Jazz Academy. In 2025, the jury selected 16 emerging jazz musicians from around 150 applicants to take part in this intensive masterclass week of one-to-one coaching, jam sessions and public talks – guided by an all-star team of mentors. In addition to a public dress rehearsal at the JazzHall, the week culminated in a joint final concert in the Grand Hall, which was also available to watch via the concert stream.

In this special broadcast on ByteFM, host Liz Remter speaks with mentors Donny McCaslin and Allison Miller about the importance of jazz in today’s world, the challenges facing the next generation of musicians, and the role of mentorship. She also talks to some academy participants to hear first-hand about their experiences and impressions from this special week of jazz at the Elbphilharmonie.

Donny McCaslin saxophone, artistic director

Gerald Clayton piano

Django Bates piano, arrangement

Jorge Roeder bass

Allison Miller drums

Jen Shyu vocals, composition

Discover the next generation of jazz: browse photos, short bios and background information on the international talents selected for this year’s »Elbphilharmonie Jazz Academy«.