Next April, internationally acclaimed jazz musicians will take the stage at Moody Amphitheater, while thousands of listeners settle onto the lawn for the inaugural ATX Jazz Fest.
Between performances, festivalgoers will wander among local food vendors, sip cocktails and strike up conversations before returning for another set. That blend of world-class artistry and community connection is exactly what the festival’s organizer, ATX Chamber Music and Jazz, set out to create four years ago.
Inside the making of ATX Chamber Music and Jazz
ATX Chamber Music and Jazz was founded by pianist Anna Petrova and violinist Geoffrey Herd. After performing in concert halls around the world, the two musicians saw an opportunity to bring a different approach to classical music and jazz shows: one focused on creating a welcoming environment designed for people to connect through music.
"As the live music capital of the world, we thought there was space in Austin to present classical music and jazz in a different light," Herd said. "We're so inspired by Austin and its legacy of great music. It's a naturally social city; that's part of who we are as Austinites."
Concerts are held in intimate venues that seat 240 guests, and 30-minute intermissions encourage audiences to grab a cocktail, mingle and continue conversations before the next performance begins.
That approach has already produced lasting friendships among concertgoers. Recently, Herd met someone whose closest friendship began at the organization's first concert.
As the organization continues to grow, so do its founders' ties to the local arts community. Petrova was recently appointed to the piano faculty at the University of Texas at Austin's Butler School of Music, strengthening the organization's connection to the next generation of musicians.
Launching a festival unlike any other in Texas
On April 2-4, 2027, ATX Chamber Music and Jazz will expand its mission with the debut of the ATX Jazz Fest.
The founders said the festival is the largest gathering of premier jazz talent ever assembled in Texas.
"As far as our research shows, there has been no such gathering of this caliber of talent at such a scope at any point in Texas, so it's really exciting," Herd said.
Throughout the weekend, general admission ticket holders will experience two full days of performances at Moody Amphitheater, with internationally acclaimed artists, emerging musicians and Austin-based ensembles sharing the stage.
Artists include:
Sullivan Fortner Trio (piano)
Joel Frahm (saxophone)
Bria Skonberg (trumpet and vocals)
Jason Moran
UT Jazz Band
Christian McBride Big Band (band with modern energy and a historic, large ensemble jazz feel)
Alfredo Rodriguez & Pedrito Martinez
Huston-Tillotson Student Ensemble
Many more
Between sets, festivalgoers can explore local food and drink vendors, relax on the lawn and enjoy the intimate atmosphere of the approximately 5,000-capacity venue.
Platinum VIP ticket holders will receive access to exclusive evening performances at Assembly Hall, featuring upscale food and cocktails from renowned Austin lounge, The Roosevelt Room.
VIP performances include:
Friday, 6:30 p.m.: Three-time Grammy-winning vocalist and MacArthur Fellow Cécile McLorin Salvant opens the weekend
Friday, 8:30 p.m.: Terence Blanchard and the E-Collective take the stage
Friday, 10:15 p.m.: Award-winning pianist Emmet Cohen, multi-Grammy-winning musician Cory Henry and other artists host a late-night jam session
Saturday, 9 p.m.: Four-time Grammy-winning pianist Brad Mehldau performs a rare solo recital
Saturday, following the recital: Another late-night jam session brings together artists from across the festival for an unscripted finale
“I think the late-night jazz sessions will be the crown jewel of the festival,” Petrova said. “There’s something truly special about artists coming together in the moment. You never know what might be created when these musicians share the stage.”
Bringing world-renowned artists to Austin
The organization's September-through-May season follows the same philosophy, pairing celebrated musicians with intimate venues where audiences can experience performances that would typically take place in larger concert halls.
This season, artists such as soprano Nadine Sierra, pianist Daniil Trifonov, jazz legend Fred Hersch and pianist Sir Stephen Hough are scheduled to perform.
Several concerts also pair guest artists with Ensemble ATX, the organization's resident ensemble of nationally recognized chamber musicians, creating collaborations unique to each performance.
Expanding access to the arts
ATX Chamber Music and Jazz continues to invest in arts education through its Everyone Deserves Art initiative.
The program donates 10% of seating capacity at concerts to students, their parents and their chaperones through partnerships with local educational organizations such as Austin Soundwaves, as well as Title I schools including Casey, Travis Heights and Hart elementary schools.
Visiting artists also perform directly in participating schools, giving young musicians the opportunity to experience professional performances firsthand.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, Petrova and Herd are planning for continued growth. They are introducing immersive collaborations, including partnering with Austin-based installation artist Beili Liu to transform the venue for their season opener on September 12
Whether they're relaxing on the lawn at Moody Amphitheater or attending one of the organization's intimate chamber concerts, Petrova and Herd hope audiences leave with more than memories of exceptional performances. They aim for every event to spark new conversations, new friendships and a deeper appreciation for the power of live music.
Click here to learn more about ATX Chamber Music and Jazz today.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.