Umbria Jazz Festival Celebrates 50 Years

Umbria Jazz Festival celebrated its 50th anniversary with ten days of music in the capital city of Pergiua. From July 6th to 17th, local and touring music enthusiasts came to experience tunes resonating from large arenas, historic venues, and the streets themself. Many come for showings at the National Gallery of Umbria or the Teatro Morlacchi, but stay for outdoor stages and buskers keeping the music alive. What sets Umbria Jazz apart is its ability to engage the entire city, pulsating from morning to midnight.

Carlo Pagnotta, the artistic director and founder of the festival, attributes its success to a delicate balance between artistic excellence and popular appeal. There were emerging Italian artists such as drummer Enrico Morello, as well as award-winning performers like Amara Joy. Regardless of fame, each contributor left a distinct mark on the musical landscape. Umbria Jazz is an extraordinary fusion of heritage and harmony, remains Italy’s most prestigious music event, and an internationally acclaimed celebration of jazz in all its splendor.

Tannis Norton