The first concerts announced for the 2026 Toronto Jazz Festival feature Emilie-Claire Barlow, Kokoroko, Hiromi and Ibrahim Maalouf, reflecting the worldwide heartbeat of contemporary jazz.
The Toronto Jazz Festival is offering audiences an early glimpse of what promises to be an extraordinary 39th season. Four headlining concerts featuring Emilie-Claire Barlow, Kokoroko, Hiromi’s Sonicwonder and Ibrahim Maalouf offer a first look at a larger lineup that will light up the city next June and once again make Toronto a destination for the world’s most exciting jazz.
“These first announcements give audiences a taste of what is to come,” says Josh Grossman, Artistic Director. “Each artist embodies the daring, boundary-pushing spirit that drives jazz forward. Their global voices and creative perspectives speak to the diversity and vitality that make Toronto one of the world’s great music cities.”
Emilie-Claire Barlow, one of Canada’s most beloved jazz artists, returns to Koerner Hall on June 23 with La plus belle saison, a lush and elegant tribute to Quebec repertoire co-produced with pianist François Richard. The JUNO and Félix Award winner’s unmistakable voice and wit have earned her international acclaim and more than 500 million streams worldwide.
On June 25, London, UK ensemble Kokoroko brings its radiant fusion of Afrobeat, highlife and modern jazz to the Phoenix Concert Theatre. The collective’s joyful sound and deep sense of community have made it a defining voice of the contemporary London scene, and their new album Tuff Times Never Last captures both resilience and celebration.
Later that week, two powerhouse performances will fill Toronto stages. At Koerner Hall on June 27, GRAMMY-winning pianist Hiromi appears with her dynamic quartet Sonicwonder. Known for her explosive virtuosity and boundless imagination, Hiromi merges classical precision with jazz freedom, creating a style unmistakably her own. That same evening at the Danforth Music Hall, French-Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf leads his T.O.M.A. (Trumpets of Michel-Ange) tour, a jubilant blend of jazz, classical, and Middle Eastern influences that embodies his belief in music as a bridge between cultures.
“This preview reflects the Festival’s role as a cultural connector,” says Sonja Mennie, Director of Operations. “These artists remind us that jazz thrives through collaboration, diversity and exchange, and with Toronto set to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup, the city continues to be the perfect stage for that conversation.”
The full program for the 39th Toronto Jazz Festival, including additional international headliners, Canadian artists and free outdoor events throughout Yorkville and the downtown core, will be announced in the spring.
Pre-sales for Jazz Fest donors begin December 9 and for JAZZ.FM91 listeners on December 10. Public on-sale starts December 12. Tickets and information are available at torontojazz.com, and make an ideal holiday gift for the music lover on your list.
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