Main stages Kongreß and Kunsthaus Nexus as well as Stadtpark, Otto-Gruber-Halle, stage in Kollingwald, Buchbinderei Fuchs, Brücklwirtshaus.

In a confused time of supposed unreality, Saalfelden celebrates the crazy truthfulness of connecting sound experiences through jazz and improvised music. Sympathetic festival makers have prepared nearly 60 concerts for original venues in the midst of a scenically inviting environment. 

The focus on the main stage is on large international formations: Lisbon Underground Music Ensemble, Christoph Cech Jazz Orchestra, Trondheim Jazzorchestra and Gard Nilssen's Supersonic Orchestra. As artists in residence, the drumming Katharina Ernst and Gard Nilssen provide striking proof of their creative originality, and not only in terms of rhythm, with four projects each. 

And big names are coming: Emilé Parisien on soprano and his sextet Louise in association with American trumpeter Theo Croker. Cellist Vincent Courtois with his quintet in a film concert. Chicago's Isaiah Collier presents the "Hardcore Spiritual Jazz" of his recent album reminiscent of John Coltrane. Jason Moran and Vijay Iyer represent the U.S. pianist elite. Mette Rasmussen on alto, as Økse (Axe), fueled by drummer Savannah Harris, double bassist Petter Eldh as well as Haitian Afro-Vodou electronica pioneer Val Jeanty, blasts her vehement high-speed attacks between noise and meditation into the audience in a premiere initiated by the festival. (Steffen Pohle)