Open call: Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz Vocals Competition

Applications for the 2026 edition close on 15 July 2026.

Overview

• The 2026 edition will focus exclusively on jazz vocal performance
• Participants will compete on an international stage in Paris
• Open to musicians aged 30 and under
• The event is widely regarded as one of the leading international jazz competitions
• Competition format and schedule
• Semifinals: Saturday, 10 October 2026
• Finals and All-Star Gala Concert: Sunday, 11 October 2026
• Venue: Auditorium of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris

Prizes and scholarships

• A total of more than $100 000 in prizes and scholarships will be awarded:
• First place: US$50,000 (presented by the Fondation Louis Vuitton)
• Second place: US$25 000
• Third place: US$10 000

Fifty per cent of each prize will be paid directly to winners, with the remainder allocated towards future musical education.

Jury

• The competition jury will be led by jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, alongside an international panel of artists. Full jury details are yet to be announced.

Broadcast and access

• Performances will be streamed globally via medici.tv, FLV Play, and YouTube.

Additional programme

Alongside the competition:

• Masterclasses will be held at the Fondation Louis Vuitton
• Sessions will target students and local music organisations
• Further programme and ticketing details will be released later

Application details

• Deadline: 15 July 2026
• Applications must be submitted through the official competition process

Contact

Queries can be directed to Leonard Brown:

• Email: lebrown@hancockinstitute.org
• Tel: +1 (202) 364-7272