IMRE KŐSZEGI JAZZ DRUM COMPETITION AT BJC

On 9 November 2026, the Budapest Jazz Club will host the final of the Imre Kőszegi Jazz Drum Competition. Young jazz drummers can apply for the competition, organised by the Hungarian Jazz Federation, until 25 October.

The competition pays tribute to the memory and legacy of Imre Kőszegi while offering the next generation of drummers an opportunity to showcase their talent. One of the defining figures of Hungarian jazz, Kőszegi was associated with such ensembles as Rákfogó, Saturnus and Kőszegi Rhythm & Brass. The patron of the competition is his daughter, Abigél Kőszegi.

Following an online pre-selection round, eight young musicians will have the opportunity to perform on the stage of our club. The finalists will be accompanied by István Elek on saxophone, Balázs Neumann on piano, and Tibor Fonay on double bass and bass guitar.

The jury will be chaired by Grammy Award-winning drummer Ferenc Németh. The performances will also be evaluated by Elemér Balázs, Péter Szendőfi, József Barcza Horváth and, representing the Budapest Jazz Club, László Bóna.

Entry is free and open to musicians born after 9 November 1996. Applicants are required to submit a short professional biography, a copy of their ID confirming their date of birth, and three videos uploaded to YouTube to hunjazzfed@gmail.com.

The top three contestants will receive gross cash prizes of HUF 700,000, HUF 500,000 and HUF 300,000 respectively.

Application deadline: 25 October 2026

Final: 9 November 2026 – Budapest Jazz Club