Catania Jazz – Concert Season

A history spanning over forty years

Founded in 1983, Catania Jazz is one of Italy's most important and long-standing jazz festivals. Promoted by the Catania Jazz Association, the concert season runs annually from October to May, having transformed the Etnean capital into a landmark destination for jazz lovers in Southern Italy. Over the decades, the stage has welcomed some of the most celebrated names on the international scene, alongside young musicians destined to become the stars of tomorrow.

The Teatro Metropolitan, the heart of the festival

Concerts are held at the Teatro Metropolitan in Catania, located on Via Sant'Euplio in the heart of the city. The venue, with its welcoming atmosphere and excellent acoustics, offers an intimate listening experience, perfect for live music. The festival is part of a broader program that has, in some seasons, extended to Palermo, creating a true Sicilian «double season».

An internationally-minded program

The Catania Jazz program is defined by the quality and variety of its offerings: from classic jazz to fusions with soul, world music, and singer-songwriter styles. Artists hosted in recent years include major figures such as Avishai Cohen, Fred Hersch, Kris Davis, and Marilyn Mazur, while the 43rd season (2026-2027) features China Moses, the James Carter Organ Trio, Youn Sun Nah & Bojan Z, and Judith Hill, among others. Numerous national and regional premieres characterize every edition.

Catania and its musical vocation

Situated at the foot of Mount Etna in the province of Catania (Sicily), the city boasts a rich musical and theatrical tradition. Catania Jazz fits into this cultural fabric as one of the highlights of the autumn and winter season, contributing to the vibrant and international artistic landscape of the Etnean territory.

Subscriptions and tickets

The festival offers subscription packages that allow audiences to follow the entire program at a discount, as well as individual tickets for each concert. Reduced rates are available for younger audiences, reflecting the association's commitment to introducing new generations to the language of jazz.