Sound of Europe festival returns to Breda in 2026

The Sound of Europe festival is scheduled to return to Breda from October 9 to October 11, 2026. The seventh edition of the event will feature a diverse program of jazz, world music, and improvisation across various intimate venues, including the Kapelzaal of Holland Casino, De Stilte, and MEZZ.

Artistic director Frank van der Kooij stated that the festival aims to showcase European musical developments without causing choice fatigue, as the schedule is designed with no overlapping concerts. The 2026 lineup includes Dutch premieres by French saxophonist Céline Bonacina and the Spanish band Libérica, alongside performances by artists such as Jasper Høiby’s 3Elements and Josefine Opsahl.

In collaboration with the Fontys Academy of Arts in Tilburg, the festival will also host the ‘Generation Next’ talent development program. This initiative allows promising conservatory students, including pianists Jelle Willems and Omar Soliman and guitarist/vocalist Mare Meijer, to perform on professional festival stages.