The Panama Jazz Festival 2026 opens with a day focused on training and artistic exchange

The Panama Jazz Festival 2026 began its program with an opening day dedicated to training, knowledge exchange and international projection, consolidating the City of Knowledge as a meeting point for students, musicians and professionals of the genre.

One of the central focuses of the first day was the development of national and international clinics that addressed both Panamanian musical identity and technical and creative tools specific to contemporary jazz.

The local training program was led by prominent Panamanian musicians and educators. Luis Carlos Pérez presented the workshop "Musical Composition from Panamanian Elements ," in which he explored the integration of cultural roots into contemporary creation. Simultaneously, Graciela Chelin Núñez led " Strategies to Aid Musical Memorization ," focused on the interpretive and pedagogical development of students.

Internationally, the program included high-level practical sessions. Ensembles from the Berklee Global Jazz Institute (BGJI) promoted collaborative work and performance in real-world jazz contexts. The New England Conservatory (NEC) offered the Introduction to Jazz Improvisation clinic , focused on developing improvisational language, while the New York Jazz Academy (NYJA), with David Engelhard, presented Rhythms of Modern Jazz , exploring contemporary rhythmic approaches.

These educational events were complemented by artistic presentations, concerts and activities open to the public in different spaces of the City of Knowledge, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the festival, where training and the stage coexist as part of the same cultural experience.

With this opening day, the Panama Jazz Festival 2026 reaffirms its commitment to excellent musical education, the strengthening of national talent and international cultural exchange, fundamental pillars of one of the most important jazz events in the region.

Between January 15 and 17, the festival offers activities for all ages: free concerts at 1:00 pm in the Plaza of the City of Knowledge, afternoon performances at 3:00 pm, evening concerts at 8:00 pm in the Ateneo Theater, Jam Sessions in Rock and Folk from 10:00 pm and a grand closing concert on Saturday, January 17 at 3:00 pm in the Central Quadrangle of the City of Knowledge, with a free tribute to Ismael Rivera, “El Sonero Mayor”.

The Panama Jazz Festival is made possible thanks to the sponsorship of the Ministry of Culture of Panama, Banco Nacional, Copa Airlines, GVA Hospitality, Publimóvil, Agua Cristalina, Ron Abuelo, Cerveza Cristal and Budget Rent a Car; it is produced by Panama Jazz Productions for the benefit of the Danilo Pérez Foundation, with the co-production of Ciudad del Saber.