Austrian Jazz Award 2026: Winners and Nominees Presented
On 20 October 2026, the winners of the Austrian Jazz Award 2026 were officially presented. Selected from 175 submissions and 34 nominees, this year’s award recipients reflect the creativity, diversity and international strength of the Austrian jazz and global music scene.
The nominees were initially selected by the Jazz Award Academy, consisting of 203 experts. A five-member jury then determined the winners as well as the second- and third-place recipients in the three main categories.
The Winners of the Austrian Jazz Award 2026
Newcomer 2026: Lorenz Widauer
The young trumpeter from Salzburg impressed the jury with his instrumental command, stylistic versatility and work across projects ranging from his own ensemble Chez Fría to Orjazztra Vienna, Shake Stew and the Focusyear Band.
Second place went to Elena Schäfer, with Avin Ahmadi taking third place.
Album 2026: Peter Rom – Wanting Machine II
Created by guitarist Peter Rom together with bassist Manu Mayr and numerous guest musicians, Wanting Machine II combines contemporary sound concepts with elements of the African American jazz tradition.
Georg Vogel took second place with OGILSD VOBI, followed by Purple Is The Color with Unbemanntes Raumschiff.
Live Act 2026: Mel*E
The trio of Judith Ferstl, Judith Schwarz and Viola Hammer was recognised for its energetic performances, collective approach and distinctive combination of acoustic and electronic sounds.
Second place went to the Jazzorchester Vorarlberg, while TSOMBANIS4 received third place.
High Impact Award 2026: Michael Mantler
The High Impact Award honours outstanding contributions to the development and international representation of Austrian jazz. In 2026, it was presented to composer and trumpeter Michael Mantler, whose career has connected free jazz, orchestral music, art rock and contemporary composition for more than six decades.
The 2026 Nominees
The nominated artists and projects demonstrated the impressive breadth of jazz music in Austria.
Newcomer 2026
Alois Eberl, Amina Bouroyen, Amir Ahmadi, Anna Maurer, Avin Ahmadi, Elena Schäfer, Eva Moreno, Jakob Kammerer, Lorenz Widauer, Max Plattner, Mina Naomi and Raphael Preuschl.
Album 2026
- ATLAS – Wolfgang Muthspiel Chamber Trio
- Faces of Night – David Helbock & Julia Hofer
- OGILSD VOBI – Georg Vogel Piano Solo
- On Her Mind – Anna Maurer
- proud – Mel*E
- Soiz – Anna Buchegger
- The Rhythm of the World – Saxofour
- Unbemanntes Raumschiff – Purple Is The Color
- Until We Meet Again – Avin Ahmadi & Lorenz Widauer
- Wanting Machine II – Peter Rom
- Where I Go – Elena Schäfer
Live Act 2026
Alpha Trianguli, András Dés Quartet, Anna Buchegger, Jazzorchester Vorarlberg, Martin Listabarth Trio, Mel*E, other:M, slowklang, TSOMBANIS4, Upper Austrian Jazz Orchestra and Wolfgang Muthspiel Chamber Trio.
Supporting Austrian Jazz
The Austrian Jazz Award is an initiative of the Austrian Music Council, mica – music austria, IG World Music, Ö1 and Porgy & Bess. As a supporting partner, JAM MUSIC LAB Private University Vienna is proud to contribute to an award that strengthens the visibility of Austrian jazz and supports musicians at different stages of their careers.
As a music university in Vienna dedicated to jazz and popular music, JAM warmly congratulates all winners, runners-up and nominees.
The award ceremony and concerts featuring Lorenz Widauer, Peter Rom, Mel*E and Michael Mantler will take place on 28 November 2026 at 19:30 at Dom im Berg in Graz. The gala will be broadcast live on Ö1 and ORF ON.
