The Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival, one of the Principality’s established annual musical highlights, returns this November.
In 2006, Jean-René Palacio set out to create an event that would bring jazz lovers together in Monaco. Over the past two decades, the festival has welcomed major French and international artists to the intimate surroundings of the Opéra Garnier.
For this 20th anniversary edition, Alfonso Ciulla, Artistic Director of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, has put together a programme that remains true to the festival’s original spirit while embracing jazz, soul, gospel, funk and contemporary influences.
Running from 18 to 29 November 2026, this year’s festival combines established international names with emerging talent and a special jazz cinema screening.
2026 FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
Wednesday, 18 November – Académie Rainier III
The 20th anniversary edition begins with the traditional opening concert featuring young musicians from the Académie Rainier III.
An annual fixture of the festival, the concert gives emerging musicians the opportunity to perform in the exceptional surroundings of the Salle Garnier and provides an early glimpse of a new generation of musical talent.
Concert – Free admission – Reservations recommended
Friday, 20 November – Youn Sun Nah & Gregory Porter
South Korean vocalist Youn Sun Nah takes to the Salle Garnier stage accompanied by a new band. Celebrating a career spanning 25 years, she brings together delicacy and intensity in a distinctive style that has established her as one of contemporary jazz’s most recognisable voices.
Video via NPR Music on YouTube
She will be followed by Gregory Porter, the two-time Grammy Award winner for Best Jazz Vocal Album. With his unmistakable voice, Porter draws on jazz, blues, gospel and soul to create a sound that has earned him an international following.
Concert – From €100
Saturday, 21 November – Thanda Choir & Melody Gardot
The evening begins with the Thanda Choir, founded in 2023 and bringing together 15 performers. Appearing as part of their first international tour, the ensemble will introduce Monaco audiences to the sounds and musical traditions of South Africa.
They will be followed by American singer Melody Gardot, whose distinctive velvety voice and blend of jazz, blues and contemporary influences have marked a career spanning more than two decades.
Concert – From €100
Sunday, 22 November – Jazz & Cinema (3 pm)
Jazz moves onto the big screen with a showing of Otto Preminger’s 1955 film The Man with the Golden Arm, presented in partnership with the Monaco Audiovisual Institute.
Video via Cult Cinema Classics on YouTube
Frank Sinatra stars as Frankie Machine, a man determined to become a jazz drummer while struggling to escape the difficulties of his past.
Jazz & Cinema screening – €15
Wednesday, 25 November – Tyreek McDole & Selah Sue
Haitian-American vocalist Tyreek McDole opens the evening with a style of jazz enriched by Caribbean influences. Emerging from the New York scene, McDole was named Best Vocalist at the 2018 Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival.
Belgian singer Selah Sue follows, joined by father-and-son duo The Gallands for a performance combining soul, pop and contemporary sounds.
Concert – From €80
Thursday, 26 November – GoGo Penguin & The Brand New Heavies
Manchester trio GoGo Penguin bring their distinctive meeting of jazz and electronic music to Monaco with material from their latest album, Necessary Fictions. They will be joined by British-Ugandan singer-songwriter Daudi Matsiko as special guest.
Video via DVi (Delicious Vinyl + Delicious Vinyl Island) on YouTube
The evening continues with The Brand New Heavies, pioneers of British acid jazz whose career spans more than four decades. Expect a lively mix of jazz, soul, funk and hip-hop in the Salle Garnier.
Concert – From €70
Friday, 27 November – Marillion
British rock band Marillion take centre stage for an evening that extends the festival beyond traditional jazz.
Formed in 1979, the band has built an enduring international following through its combination of progressive rock, musical experimentation and emotionally charged live performances.
Concert – From €100
Saturday, 28 November – Lila-May & Thomas Dutronc
Rising French artist Lila-May opens the evening with a contemporary approach aimed at introducing jazz to a new generation. The self-taught singer has attracted millions of views on TikTok following the release of her 2025 EP, Out of Time.
Thomas Dutronc © Yann Orhan
She will be followed by singer and guitarist Thomas Dutronc, celebrating some of the great figures and traditions of jazz in a new show created for 2026.
Drawing inspiration from Chet Baker and Django Reinhardt, Dutronc will also revisit classics from the Great American Songbook, bringing his own distinctive style to an evening rooted in the history of jazz.
Concert – From €80
Sunday, 29 November – Soweto Gospel Choir (3 pm)
The festival draws to a close with JOY, performed by the three-time Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir.
Combining music, dance and faith, the performance celebrates the spirit and musical heritage of South Africa and brings the 20th anniversary edition of the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival to a suitably uplifting conclusion.
Concert – €60
VISITOR INFORMATION
Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival 2026
- 18–29 November 2026
- Opéra de Monte-Carlo (Salle Garnier)
- All shows at 8:30 pm except cinema screening on 22 November at 3 pm and Soweto Gospel Choir on 29 November also at 3 pm
Information and reservations:
- By calling +377 98 06 36 36 – 10am to 7pm, seven days a week
- By emailing ticketoffice@sbm.mc
VENUE DETAILS
Opéra de Monte-Carlo
Salle Garnier
Place du Casino
98000 Monaco
PHOTO CREDITS
- All photos and images courtesy Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival / Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and as credited
- Lead image Académie de musique © Philip Ducap
- Videos as credited
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