Pollini in Jazz
The Conservatory's jazz festival at the Arena Gardens
About Pollini in Jazz
Jazz under the stars at the Arena Gardens
Pollini in Jazz is the summer festival organized by the Jazz Department of the Cesare Pollini Conservatory in Padua. For several evenings, the Arena Gardens, the historic gardens adjacent to the Scrovegni Chapel and the Eremitani Museum, become an open-air stage dedicated to African-American music.
Students, faculty, and international guests
The festival brings together the young talents of the Conservatory with their faculty and internationally renowned musicians: students from undergraduate and graduate programs, the Pollini Big Band, jam sessions, tributes, and ensembles featuring leading Italian and international jazz artists take turns on stage. It's an opportunity to hear the growing jazz scene from Pollini's classrooms live and for free.
A Padua summer event
Free admission with optional donations, food & beverage service, and the relaxed atmosphere of the gardens make Pollini in Jazz one of the most beloved events of the Padua summer, in Veneto. In case of rain, concerts move to the Pollini Auditorium.
Pollini in Jazz — edition 2026
The fifth edition of Pollini in Jazz takes place from June 26 to 29, 2026 at the Arena Gardens in Padua. For four evenings, the garden next to the Scrovegni Chapel transforms into an open-air jazz stage, with the usual rotation of young Conservatory talents, faculty, and international guests.
Starting Friday, the evenings are divided into two sets, at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. All concerts are free admission with optional donations, with access from via Porciglia until seats are filled and food & beverage service. In case of rain, the event moves to the Pollini Auditorium.
Programme Pollini in Jazz 2026
Thursday, June 26
- 9:00 PM — Jam session with Davide Brillante (coordinator of the jazz section at Pollini) and Matteo Alfonso from the Benedetto Marcello Conservatory of Venice, with two students.
Friday, June 27
- 7:00 PM / 9:00 PM — Undergraduate students and the project by Marcello Tonolo "Six friends for bicio".
Saturday, June 28
- 7:00 PM / 9:00 PM — Drums tribute by Davide Ragazzoni and the Pollini Big Band, with the collaboration of a group of singers from the Conservatory of Trento.
Sunday, June 29
- 7:00 PM / 9:00 PM — Graduate students and the international trio formed by Alessandro Lanzoni (piano), Gabriele Evangelista (double bass), and Jeff Ballard (drums).
All concerts are free admission with optional donations. Access from via Porciglia until seats are filled.
Highlights Pollini in Jazz 2026
The international trio on Sunday, June 29, with Alessandro Lanzoni, Gabriele Evangelista, and Jeff Ballard; the Pollini Big Band and the young talents from the Conservatory.
Prices Pollini in Jazz 2026
Practical information — Pollini in Jazz
Where
Arena Gardens, access from via Porciglia, Padua (PD). In case of rain: Pollini Auditorium.
When
In late June, over several consecutive evenings. Evening concerts (7 PM and 9 PM).
Admission
Free admission with optional donations, subject to availability. Food & beverage service is available.
Organization
Jazz Department of the Cesare Pollini Conservatory of Padua.
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Where does it take place — Pollini in Jazz
Giardini dell'Arena
Via Porciglia, 35121 Padova