Ibrahim Maalouf opens the 45th Cartagena Jazz Festival

Franco-Lebanese trumpeter and composer Ibrahim Maalouf will inaugurate the 45th edition of the Cartagena Jazz Festival this Friday, October 30, at the El Batel auditorium. Performing at 20:30, Maalouf will present ‘The Trumpets of Michel-Ange Vol. 2’, a production that blends jazz, oriental folklore, and contemporary sounds.

Maalouf is recognized for his unique use of a four-piston trumpet to explore Middle Eastern musical nuances. His career includes two Grammy nominations, a César Award, and collaborations with artists such as Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, and John Legend. His work ‘Red & Black Light’ was also featured in the song ‘Echo’ for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The festival will continue through November 15, featuring a variety of genres including flamenco, soul, and folk. Other performers scheduled for the opening weekend include Andrea Motis with the Barcelona Gospel Messengers and flamenco guitarist Niño Josele.