The 2026 Thailand International Jazz Conference (TIJC 2026) is set to launch its 17th edition, inviting music fans to celebrate the 100th birthday of John Coltrane in the best Creative Community atmosphere in Asia. The event will be held from 23–25 January 2026 at the College of Music, Mahidol University (Salaya).
Dr. Piyawat Luilapprasert, Dean of the College of Music at Mahidol University, revealed that TIJC 2026 will not be just an ordinary music festival but the "largest classroom in Asia" under the strategy RETHINK, REBUILD, RECREATE. The aim is to transform the college into a Platform of Opportunity—a comprehensive space for musicians and music industry professionals.
"The core idea is The World is Here... at Mahidol. We want TIJC to bring 'the world' to students so they can witness world-class standards firsthand, perform alongside legendary artists, and learn about international event organization. This creates comprehensive music professionals beyond textbooks and prepares students to truly enter the global music industry," Dr. Piyawat said.
A key highlight for jazz fans this year is the celebration of the 100th anniversary of jazz master John Coltrane’s birth, under the theme A Celebration of 100 Years of Coltrane. This gathering features the most influential contemporary artists including the Donny McCaslin Quintet, Joey Calderazzo Trio, and Seamus Blake Quartet. A once-in-a-lifetime special performance will see world-leading tenor saxophonist Donny McCaslin join the TPO Orchestra to perform Coltrane’s historic A Love Supreme, newly arranged as a grand Symphonic Jazz piece that cannot be heard elsewhere.
Beyond performances by world-class jazz artists, TIJC 2026 has earned the confidence of five leading embassies and cultural institutes supporting A-List artists flying in for special shows. These include the French Embassy backing the Macha Gharibian Trio; the Italian Cultural Institute supporting the Luca Filastro Trio; the Austrian Embassy supporting the Yvonne Moriel Quartet; the Swiss Embassy supporting The Killin Jivers and Moncef Genoud; and the Irish Embassy supporting Seamus Blake. The event also features powerful music from the U.S. Marine Expeditionary Force Band.
The TIJC 2026 stage also showcases the talents of Thai artists and young musicians such as the Mahidol University Jazz Orchestra and Rangsit University Jazz Orchestra, ready to compete at international standards, reinforcing Thailand’s image as a strong and quality jazz hub in the region.
Experience TIJC 2026, a quality music event set against the lively backdrop of the TIJC Food & Art Market, promising vibrant excitement throughout. True jazz enthusiasts should not miss it from 23–25 January 2026 at the College of Music, Mahidol University (Salaya). For more information and ticket reservations, visit the ticketmelon website.