Jazz à Vienne

Jazz à Vienne: More Than Forty Years of Musical Excellence

Since 1981, Jazz à Vienne has established itself as one of the most prestigious jazz festivals in the world. Founded by Jean-Paul Boutellier, with the help of Pierre Domeyne and Jean Gueffier and a handful of volunteers, the festival was born from a bold vision: to make jazz resonate in one of France's most beautiful ancient theatres. The first "Nuit du Blues" in 1980 paved the way for the official birth of the festival the following year.

Over four decades, Jazz à Vienne has hosted the greatest legends of jazz and world music: Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, B.B. King, Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Marcus Miller, Norah Jones, Ibrahim Maalouf, and many others. The festival became a public industrial and commercial establishment (EPIC) in 2011, and in 2021 obtained ISO 20121 certification for its sustainable development policy and responsible event management.

The Antique Theatre: A Unique Heritage Setting

The Vienne Antique Theatre, built in the 1st century AD, is the festival's iconic venue. With a capacity of 7,500 seats, it offers a unique acoustic experience combined with the imprint of history, creating an exceptional setting for both artists and the public. Backed by the Pipet hill, this listed monument is the third largest ancient theatre in Gaul.

Four Stages for All Audiences

Beyond the Antique Theatre, the festival unfolds on several complementary stages:

• Jardins de Cybèle: A free outdoor stage offering concerts from midday onwards, the true beating heart of the festival, accessible to all.
• Le Club: An intimate stage to discover new talents and enjoy concerts in a more intimate setting.
• Jazz on the City: Concerts in Vienne's cafés, restaurants, and heritage sites.

A Diverse and Generous Program

While jazz remains the festival's DNA, the programming has always embraced a wide spectrum of music: blues, soul, funk, R&B, world music, Afro-Caribbean music, fusion jazz, and original creations. Each edition features around 250 concerts spread over more than fifteen days, with nearly 1,000 artists on stage.

The strength of Jazz à Vienne lies in its balance between international headliners and artistic discoveries, between major concerts at the Antique Theatre and free programming at the Jardins de Cybèle. Three-quarters of the concerts are free, making the festival a deeply popular and accessible event.

A Committed Festival Rooted in its Territory

Located in Vienne, between Lyon and Valence, Jazz à Vienne plays an essential role in the cultural and tourist influence of the Isère region and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The festival conducts awareness-raising activities for young audiences, offers workshops, screenings, and events throughout the year as part of its off-season program. It attracts over 200,000 festival-goers each summer, confirming its status as a must-attend event on the global jazz scene.