The Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival alumni band at the 2025 festival.
Image: Supplied
The Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival returns to the Baxter Theatre Concert Hall in Rondebosch, showcasing four nights of live big band performances by young musicians from across Cape Town.
The festival is on until Saturday, May 30.
Now in its 26th year, the festival has grown into one of South Africa’s leading platforms for youth jazz, featuring school, university and community big bands alongside professional and international musicians.
This year’s programme will include 26 big bands, as well as an all-star alumni band led by Professor Mike Campbell and featuring guest trumpeter Gordon Vernick from the United States. The Bavarian Youth Jazz Ensemble from Germany will also take part.
Ann Barr, director of the South African Jazz Educators (SAJE), said the festival has developed significantly since its early beginnings.
“Since 1999, the festival has grown from just five big bands performing in a single evening into a four-night celebration of youth jazz involving schools, universities, community bands and international musicians,” Barr said.
She said the focus remains strongly on education and access.
“The aim is to give young musicians a platform to perform, to learn from professionals, and to develop their skills in a supportive environment."
Visiting musicians perform with the alumni band and also take part in workshops at schools.
“The workshops are an important part of what we do. They allow experienced musicians to work directly with learners and share practical skills and inspiration,” Barr said.
The festival raises funds for a range of initiatives, with a strong focus on supporting music education in disadvantaged communities.
It currently supports schools providing pupils, many of whom are considered youth at risk, with access to music education in the big band jazz format.
Funds also contribute to the jazz studies programme at the South African College of Music, as well as the Beau Soleil Music for the Africa Trust, which supports young musicians from disadvantaged areas.
“We are committed to making sure that music education is accessible, especially in communities where opportunities are limited,” Barr said.
Over the years, donations have supported schools and music initiatives, including the Beau Soleil Africa Trust, Athlone Music Academy, York Road Primary School, Eluxolweni Primary School, Steenberg High School, Delft Big Band, Ned Doman High School, Kronendal Music Academy and the Delft Performing Arts Centre.
Instrument donations have also included marimbas for several schools.
Barr said the festival also plays a wider cultural role.
“Big band jazz has a long global history, and we are proud to see it continue to grow here while also supporting music composed and arranged by South African musicians."
The festival allows young musicians to perform in a prestigious setting, compare their work in a non-competitive environment, and gain exposure to wider audiences and professional musicians.
It also encourages pupils to continue their musical development into tertiary education and potential careers in music, while widening participation in big band jazz across communities.
The event is presented in collaboration with the University of Cape Town’s South African College of Music and the Baxter Theatre.
Performances take place at 7 pm each evening. Tickets range from R100 for scholars, students and senior citizens to R180 for adults.