On June 23, two rising stars of the Polish jazz scene – Jakub Paulski Trio and Superminimalism – will take the stage at the renowned Toronto Jazz Festival. Both bands are laureates of the international Jazz Juniors Competition, and their trip to Canada is part of a special award granted by the festival organizers and the competition’s partners. This prestigious invitation marks a significant step in their artistic careers and highlights the global recognition of Poland’s vibrant jazz scene.
For years, the Jazz Juniors International Competition has served not only as a platform for discovering new talent but also as a launchpad for young artists seeking international exposure. Thanks to a unique network of partnerships with festivals and institutions across the globe, winners of Jazz Juniors frequently receive tangible opportunities such as concert bookings, artistic residencies, and overseas tours. The invitation to perform at the Toronto Jazz Festival is a direct result of this international cooperation.
Jakub Paulski Trio is led by guitarist and composer Jakub Paulski, known for his refined musical language, cohesive compositions, and openness to improvisation. The trio impressed the Jazz Juniors jury with its mature sound and spacious, narrative-driven approach to music.
Superminimalism, on the other hand, explores the boundaries of jazz and experimental music. Their uncompromising exploration of sound and form captivated both the jury and the competition audience. The upcoming performance in Toronto will mark the ensemble’s first appearance outside Europe.
The Toronto Jazz Festival is one of the most important music events in Canada, drawing tens of thousands of attendees and hundreds of artists from around the world each year. For the two Polish ensembles, it’s more than just a performance – it’s a chance to reach a new audience, connect with international promoters, and test their artistic voices on a truly global stage.
The participation of Jakub Paulski Trio and Superminimalism in the Toronto Jazz Festival is further proof of the growing recognition and impact of Polish jazz worldwide. Thanks to initiatives like Jazz Juniors, young musicians are not only thriving locally but increasingly stepping into roles as ambassadors of Polish culture abroad.
This project is co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland from the Culture Promotion Fund.
