2026 Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz Vocals Competition
Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz Vocals Competition To Take Place October 10–11, 2026 in Paris in Partnership with the Fondation Louis Vuitton
The Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz Competition will spotlight jazz vocals in 2026 and, for the first time in its history, will take place outside of the United States—in Paris, France, in partnership with the Fondation Louis Vuitton.
Widely recognized as the world’s most prestigious jazz competition, the International Competition has played a pivotal role for nearly four decades in identifying and elevating the next generation of jazz artists. The 2026 edition will bring together exceptional young vocalists from around the world to compete on an international stage.
Open to musicians age 30 and under, the Competition will award more than $100,000 in scholarships and prizes, including a $50,000 first-place award presented by the Fondation Louis Vuitton, as well as $25,000 for second place and $10,000 for third place.
The Competition weekend, taking place in the Auditorium of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, will include a Semifinals round on Saturday, October 10, followed by the Competition Finals and an All-Star Gala Concert on the evening of Sunday, October 11. The distinguished jury will be led by acclaimed jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, joined by an all-star panel of internationally celebrated artists.
The full website at HancockInstitute.org has much more detail and information on how to download an application to participate in this event. Please click the button below to see the full website at Hancock Institute.
