Biennale de Jazz du Perreux

Biennale de Jazz du Perreux: two years of waiting for four days of exception

The Biennale de Jazz du Perreux-sur-Marne is one of the most anticipated jazz events in eastern Paris. Organized every two years by the Centre des Bords de Marne (CdbM) in partnership with the Conseil Départemental du Val-de-Marne, it brings together about fifty artists from the French and international jazz scene over four days. Its motto — the taste of freedom and invention — perfectly summarizes the spirit of a program that explores all facets of contemporary jazz, without stylistic borders or hierarchies.

An exceptional venue by the water

The Centre des Bords de Marne, located at 2 rue de la Prairie in Le Perreux-sur-Marne (94170), is a benchmark municipal cultural facility, set in a bucolic site on the edge of the Marne river. Its main hall, with its careful acoustics, offers an ideal setting for jazz concerts in all formations, from intimate solos to national orchestras. The proximity of the Marne riverbanks adds a soul to this festival, which cultivates listening quality as much as the diversity of aesthetics.

Five sessions for all audiences

The format of the Biennale is remarkably structured: five sessions spread over the weekend allow it to reach very different audiences. The Thursday and Friday evenings are dedicated to major headliners, with jazz projects at the crossroads of global musical traditions. The Saturday afternoon session highlights the young generation: emerging ensembles from conservatories and residencies, revelations of the contemporary jazz scene. The Saturday evening brings together the Orchestre National de Jazz and various ensembles of all sizes. Sunday afternoon is dedicated to family audiences with a musical show accessible to children.

Unforgettable artists

The 4th edition (2022) left a lasting impression with exceptional performances: flutist and singer Naïssam Jalal, an artist of Syrian origin and Victoire de la Musique winner, opened the festival with her ethno-jazz quintet; the Chemirani trio, a family of percussionists of Iranian origin, offered an evening of rare intensity mixing zarb and Indo-Eastern traditions; Cape Verdean singer Mariana Ramos, a worthy heir to Cesária Évora, captivated the hall with her languid morna. The Orchestre National de Jazz, led by guitarist Frédéric Maurin, in association with the ORNICAR trio and solo double bassist Claude Tchamitchian, concluded the evening in apotheosis. The comedic and percussive duo Fills Monkey closed the party with a hilarious family show.

Jazz as a common good

The Biennale de Jazz du Perreux affirms a strong conviction: jazz must be accessible to all. Controlled prices — 3-day pass at 55 €, youth rate at 40 € — an entire session offered to young family audiences, and an opening to residencies for young artists make up the cultural policy of this event. By bringing together established artists and emerging musicians, French and international musicians, the festival builds a vision of jazz as a living music, in perpetual invention.