Alma Gröning and Jakob Obleser win 2026 Jazz Youth Award

Alma Gröning and Jakob Obleser have been named the recipients of the 2026 Jazz Youth Award (Jazznachwuchspreis). The award was presented during the 50th Leipziger Jazztage.

Violinist Alma Gröning was praised by the jury for her musicality, virtuosity, and ability to blend jazz elements with various other musical traditions and inventive compositions. Bassist Jakob Obleser was recognized for his versatility across different ensembles and his precise craftsmanship, with the jury noting his ability to find a unique path within the jazz tradition.

The award ceremony included performances by the winners, featuring Jakob Obleser’s solo program ‘Music is just wiggly air (AKA Jiggly Jukebox)’ and Alma Gröning with the Alou String Quartet. The program also featured Robert Lucaciu, a former recipient of the award.