For decades, jazz has been an important part of the cultural identity of Graz. This lively (and in many ways game-changing) music scene, together with the Jazz Institute of the University of Music and Performing Arts, has made Graz into one of Austria‘s jazz hotspots. As one of Europe’s first jazz programmes at university level (established in 1965), the Jazz Institute gained its impressive international reputation through its excellent alumni and faculty. With the triennial jazz composition competition Jazz Comp Graz, the Jazz Institute of the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz was able to establish another highlight in the vibrant jazz scene of Graz.

Now already in its 5th edition, leading young jazz composers from Europe are invited to participate in this competition and present their works to an internationally renowned jury. Unique about this competition is, that the selection of the winners will be made during a live performance featuring the KUG Jazz Orchestra.

All composers with a permanent residence in a European country or individuals who are currently enrolled as full-time students at a European university or conservatory are invited to participate. The competition is restricted to composers at the age of 30 (born after November 14, 1993). Awardees of the competition in 2021 are suspended from repeated participation.

The submitted piece must be an original composition that has not been recorded or published prior to the competition, arrangements are not accepted. The premier performance is reserved for Jazz Comp Graz 2024. The piece must not exceed eight minutes in duration, including all solo sections, and must be written exactly for the following instrumentation:

  • 5 reeds: 1 as/ss/fl, 2 as/ss/fl, 3 ts/cl, 4 ts/cl/bcl, 5 bs/bcl
  • 5 trumpets/flugelhorn
  • 3 trombones
  • 1 bass trombone
  • piano and/or e-piano
  • upright or electric bass
  • guitar
  • drums
  • opt. vocals

Any instrument can be used for improvised solos. The score and parts must be transposed. The whole piece must not contain any references to the composer’s identity. Compositions that do not meet the criteria will be disqualified from the competition.

Each applicant is allowed to submit one composition.

Application documents:

  • Anonymized composition (printed & PDF)
  • Signed application form
  • Scan of passport/ID
  • Confirmation of enrollment at a European university/conservatory (for non-European students)

Participation at the final concert on November 14, 2024 is obligatory for all finalists.

Applications must be submitted via  MUVAC.

Further information: https://jazz.kug.ac.at/jazz-comp-graz-1