The Auditorio y Teatro Foundation of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has announced the 23rd edition of El Rincón del Jazz, a series running from September 2026 to June 2027, featuring eleven concerts. The Jerónimo Saavedra hall will once again be a meeting point for interesting contemporary jazz proposals.
At the presentation, Manuel Benítez, Programming Subdirector of the Foundation, alongside musicians Takeo Takahashi, Miguel Ramírez (member of Local Jazz Band), and Silvia Jiménez (from Perinké Big Band), agreed on the cycle's maturity and the healthy state of jazz in Canarias.
The program explores different interpretations of the genre, from contemporary jazz and flamenco jazz to swing, gypsy jazz, Broadway-inspired vocals, improvisation, European piano, and new generations of Spanish musicians. El Rincón del Jazz continues its commitment to diverse programming, featuring established artists, innovative projects, and significant Canarian talent.
Among the notable names is British pianist Bill Laurance, a founding member of Snarky Puppy and five-time Grammy winner, who will perform his solo piano concert Lumen at the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus. Also featured are Leonor Watling with musician and producer Leo Sidran in the project Leo & Leo; acclaimed drummer Marc Miralta, celebrating the 25th anniversary of New York Flamenco Reunion; German virtuoso Joscho Stephan, considered a leading European interpreter of Django Reinhardt's legacy; and singer Litus, who will perform Spanish Rock Swings with the Perinké Big Band.
The season also maintains a strong focus on Canarian creators. Musician and composer Takeo Takahashi will open the cycle with Melodías Forjadas. Jazz para la obra de Martín Chirino, a project inspired by the sculptor's work. Later, young trumpeter Ernesto Montenegro will present his debut album as a leader, Prelude to Now, coinciding with International Jazz Day, and Local Jazz Band will perform their 'Plátano Beat' project in April.
The lineup is completed by singer Graziëlla Hunsel with The New York Round Midnight Orchestra, paying tribute to the golden age of Broadway and great jazz voices; French pianist and composer Baptiste Bailly, known for bridging European jazz, flamenco, and Mediterranean music; and Lucía Rey Cuarteto, one of contemporary Spanish jazz's most prominent groups, closing the season with Nómadas, a project blending modern jazz, flamenco, classical music, and new sounds.
The cycle begins on September 26 with Takeo Takahashi Trío. On October 17, Marc Miralta New York Flamenco Reunion will perform, followed on November 13 by Leo & Leo (starring Leonor Watling and Leo Sidran) as part of the Jazz Otoño collaboration.
December will feature one of the season's most spectacular shows, Spanish Rock Swings, on the 18th and 19th, where Litus and the Perinké Big Band will reinterpret Spanish rock anthems with a big band jazz sound.
The new year kicks off on January 16 with Bill Laurance, followed on February 6 by the Joscho Stephan Trío. On March 6, Graziëlla Hunsel & The New York Round Midnight Orchestra will perform, while Local Jazz Band takes the stage on April 10.
As is tradition, El Rincón del Jazz will celebrate International Jazz Day on April 30 with a concert by Ernesto Montenegro Quintet, presenting Prelude to Now. The final stretch continues on May 8 with Baptiste Bailly Trio and concludes on June 4 with Lucía Rey Cuarteto.
The sale of season tickets begins on July 15, with an initial preferential phase for previous season ticket holders. Season tickets, priced at a single rate of 110 euros, will grant access to ten concerts plus one special concert, totaling eleven performances. A maximum of 200 season tickets will be issued.
El Rincón del Jazz reaffirms its trajectory of stable, high-quality programming, establishing the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus as a benchmark for jazz in Canarias. Tickets and season tickets can be purchased via the website auditorioalfredokraus.es, and at the box offices of the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus and the Teatro Pérez Galdós.
Manuel Benítez highlighted the audience loyalty and the goal to expand the number of concerts in the future. Takeo Takahashi described the cycle as "the mecca of jazz in Gran Canaria". Silvia Jiménez announced that Spanish Rock Swings aims to introduce jazz to new audiences by reinterpreting Spanish rock. Miguel Ramírez stated that jazz in Canarias "is no longer an oasis", emphasizing the growth of musicians, schools, and projects across the islands.
