ZOOM band from Germany.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
As Chennai’s cultural calendar heads into its busiest month, the 14th Madras Jazz Festival is back with an evening of global collaboration and high-octane musicianship. Presented by the Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan in partnership with Exodus and the Unwind Centre, the festival will transform the Goethe-Institut Auditorium on December 14 into a hub of jazz conversations.
This year’s Jazz Festival brings together two acts from India and Germany, creating a vibrant cross-cultural musical experience.
From India, Harlem’s journey began when four musicians realised that the sounds they grew up with carried too much energy and soul to remain unexpressed. At the helm is pianist Izrael Harlem, whose commanding presence guides the group’s dynamic shifts. Guitarist Stevie Dave brings his own precision and flair. Bassist Kaleb holds the ensemble together with weighty, fluid lines, while drummer Wungrito drives the pulse of the band with his musical beats.
Joining the band is 21-year-old Neil, whose growing passion for jazz and improvisation adds a fresh dimension to the band. Together they shape a sound that is rooted yet contemporary for the modern jazz listener.
“Chennai has a rich and deeply rooted cultural scene, and the Jazz Festival fits right into that spirit of openness and artistic curiosity. The city has always embraced diverse music traditions — from classical to indie — and jazz adds another exciting layer to that mix. This festival creates space for new sounds, new collaborations, and a fresh energy that connects local audiences with global music,” says Geetha Vedaraman, cultural coordinator, Goethe-Institut.
From Germany, ZOOM brings a completely different flavour to Indian audiences. Led by saxophonist-composer Stephan Mattner, whose warm tone nods to the 70s and 80s while being rooted in the present, the band is known for creating a musical landscape through their performances. Guitarist Philipp van Endert, bassist Sebastian Räther, and drummer Jo Beyer complete the ensemble.
Together, Harlem and ZOOM will bring an evening where East meets West, tradition meets innovation, as music becomes a universal language for jazz lovers.
The Madras Jazz Festival will be held on December 14, from 6pm onwards, at the Goethe-Institut Auditorium, Max Mueller Bhavan, Rutland Gate. Entry, free for all. For more information, visit goethe.de.
Published – December 11, 2025 02:23 pm IST
