One of Europe’s established orchestras, Modern Art Orchestra, presents an exciting programme from the contemporary music repertoire at the 31st Istanbul Jazz Festival.

Modern Art Orchestra, one of the largest big bands in Europe, was founded by trumpet artist and composer Kornél Fekete-Kovács in 2005. Kornél, a representative of the middle generation of Hungarian jazz and a world-renowned trumpet master, has been bringing together young talents in jazz with his orchestra for almost 20 years. The big band reflects the current artistic context of the modern music scene while paying tribute to their Hungarian roots. Indeed, the orchestra successfully melted the musical approaches and talents of three generations in a single pot, blending them with contemporary classical music and jazz. Focusing on improvisation and emphasising the “here” and “now”, they have created a style that invites the listener to be present. With this approach that expands the boundaries of music, the orchestra became an integral part of the ongoing reinvention process of Hungarian jazz since the 1960s.

Presenting an exciting programme selected from an extensive contemporary music repertoire mainly composed by the six distinguished musicians of the orchestra, MAO comes to the Istanbul Jazz Festival as part of the Turkish-Hungarian Cultural Year.

Before MAO, the rising star of jazz drums, Kaan Çelen, will be on the stage. His destiny as a jazz drummer was evident from birth. The main reason he had started playing the drums was the arm he lost during birth. Then he discovered jazz. He has worked with Ediz Hafızoğlu, Şevket Akıncı, Baki Duyarlar, Ferit Odman, and Cem Aksel, and has received training and performed at festivals. With his albums NA-Zİ-LE and Fellowship, Kaan Çelen has made the seemingly impossible look easy and has continued to achieve success after success. Çelen will meet the Istanbul Jazz Festival audience for the first time.

Doors open: 19.00

This event is for ages 7 and above. Attendees under 18 may join the event accompanied by an adult.

Cloakroom service is not available. Please refrain from bringing a bag larger than a handbag. Suitcases and large backpacks will not be permitted in the venue.

Limited parking is available.

The event is seated.

The venue is suitable for disabled access.

Modern Art Orchestra feat. Kornél Fekete-Kovács
@jazzahead! 2022

Kaan Çelen Trio
Pentup House
@Nardis Jazz Club 2019