The World Jazz Festival Arrives at Bharat Mandapam

The 6th edition of the World Jazz Festival is officially making its Delhi debut this weekend, transforming the capital into a crossroads of global melody. Taking place at the state-of-the-art Audi 2, Bharat Mandapam on Friday, April 17, 2026, this three-hour musical marathon (starting at 7:00 PM) marks the beginning of a prestigious five-city tour across India.

Produced by Banyan Tree in collaboration with the Netherlands’ renowned Amersfoort Jazz Festival, the event brings together a diverse assembly of international virtuosos to celebrate the improvisational spirit of jazz.

A Sonic Journey Across Continents

The festival’s lineup is designed to be a “World & Jazz” experience, blending traditional roots with contemporary global influences:

• From New Orleans to New York: The Michael Varekamp Quintet, featuring the explosive energy of saxophonist Alexander ‘The Hurricane’ Beets, will lead a tribute to the foundations of the genre. Audiences can expect a journey through the sounds of Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis, channeling the golden era of the Blue Note classics.
• The Art of the Trio: Representing the “swing” side of the Dutch jazz scene, the Wiboud Burkens Trio will showcase “Swing is the Thing.” Burkens, a master of the Hammond sound, pays homage to the legendary Jimmy Smith with rhythmic precision and soulful organ grooves.
• South American Flair: The Georgie Aué Quintet brings a vibrant cross-continental fusion. Titled “From Australia to Brazil,” their set features sophisticated reimaginings of classics by Jobim, Mendes, and Norah Jones, blending jazz sensibilities with the warmth of Bossa Nova.
• Sunset in Africa: Rounding out the global perspective, South African vocalist Titi Luzipho and composer Muneeb Hermans will perform “A Tribute to the Legends.” Their performance honors the storytelling and musical legacies of icons like Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, and Abdullah Ibrahim.

The Premiere Hub for Culture

By choosing Bharat Mandapam as its venue, the festival positions itself at the heart of Delhi’s newest cultural landmark. This venue has hosted world leaders and high-stakes summits, but this weekend, its halls will be filled with the complex harmonies and free-flowing rhythms of global jazz.

The festival has historically drawn a high-profile crowd, including diplomats and corporate leaders, yet it remains accessible to any music lover looking for an “event” experience. As the first stop before the tour moves to Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, Delhi’s opening night is set to be the definitive jazz occasion of the year.

Tickets are currently available for those aged 8 and above, promising a sophisticated yet soul-stirring start to the weekend.