Jazz is much more than a simple musical genre: it is the art of freedom and personal expression. Emerging at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries in regions of the southern United States—especially in New Orleans—this style was born from the meeting of African rhythms, spirituals, blues music, and European harmony. Over the decades, jazz has continuously transformed, passing through major eras such as early Dixieland, big band swing, the more reserved cool jazz, hard bop filled with soul influences, jazz-rock fusion with electronic sounds, or world jazz blended with traditional music.

The most important characteristic of jazz lies in its rhythmic flexibility and, above all, in improvisation. At a jazz concert, the sheet music is merely a starting point, and the music is born right on stage in fractions of a second. The dynamics of jazz, the unexpected accents, and the intertwining of instrumental voices invite the audience on a journey where every performance is unique and unrepeatable.

(Source: One Jazz)

One Jazz Festival in Baia Mare

For lovers of quality live music and jazz culture, Baia Mare plays host to one of the most significant musical events of the autumn. Reaching its eighth edition, One Jazz Festival presents four completely different musical universes over two evenings, bringing together jazz fans from home and abroad. Organized by the One Sound Association, the event debuted in 2018 and has grown a dedicated community of over 5,000 people over time. The high standard and international recognition of the festival were confirmed in 2025 when it was admitted as a member of the Europe Jazz Network, an organization uniting over 200 musical entities across 38 countries. As a result, the audience in Baia Mare is guaranteed to enjoy productions of the highest artistic caliber from the international elite.

The festival venue is the modern and elegant ATP Tech Center, located in Baia Mare at 67 Bulevardul Regele Mihai I. Entry is permitted on both days starting at 18:30 with valid passes, and the concerts begin precisely at 19:00. Organizers will guide spectators to the seats indicated on their passes for smooth seating in the hall. For children under 7 years old, admission is free without a separate seat, provided they are accompanied by at least one parent with a valid ticket, while children over 7 require a separate pass. The 30-minute breaks between concerts offer participants the opportunity to socialize and share impressions.

(Source: One Jazz)

Friday: October 23

For Friday's opening on October 23 at 19:00, the Amit Friedman Quartet will take the stage. Amit Friedman is one of the most acclaimed saxophonists and composers in the Israeli jazz scene. His music blends the elegance of modern jazz with traditional Middle Eastern motifs and rhythms, creating a direct, emotional, and very accessible style. His debut album, Sunrise, quickly became a milestone in Israeli jazz upon its release, being included by Columbus magazine among the most important releases of the decade and reaching the top of specialized charts in the United States.

In the second part of the evening, starting at 20:45, one of the most remarkable and influential pianists in European jazz, Poland's Leszek Możdżer, will perform a solo recital. Having studied piano from the age of five and graduated from the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk, the artist has a solid classical background, but built an exceptional career upon entering the world of jazz. He has collaborated on over 100 albums and performed alongside world-class artists such as Pat Metheny, Marcus Miller, John Scofield, Joe Lovano, or David Gilmour. He has also worked with renowned film composers on Hollywood productions. In his performance, the precision of classical music and the freedom of improvisation unite in the most natural way, opening up new dimensions for piano lovers.

Saturday: October 24

On Saturday, October 24 at 19:00, the concert series will be opened by Nemanja Zlatarev & Coalition Group from Serbia. Established in 2012, the six-piece ensemble represents one of the most energetic acts in the Balkan region. Comprising trombone, saxophone, bass guitar, guitar, piano, and drums, the band builds its dynamic show around original compositions, where instrumental funk, smooth jazz, fusion, and Latin rhythms meet the classic sounds of the '70s and '80s. The influence of legendary artists such as Fred Wesley, Herbie Hancock, or Marcus Miller can be felt in their music.

The festival's closing concert will be performed at 20:45 by the Marco Mezquida Trio from Spain. The 38-year-old Spanish piano virtuoso has performed on stages in over 40 countries and appeared on more than 100 albums. Alongside Cuban Martín Meléndez on cello and Catalan Aleix Tobias on percussion, Mezquida creates a special sonic universe where modern jazz weaves together with elements of flamenco, Baroque classical music, rock, and Mediterranean folklore.

Sights to See in Baia Mare

Beyond the festival schedule, it is well worth reserving time to discover the rich historical and cultural heritage of Baia Mare. In the center of town stands the main symbol of the city, Stephen’s Tower (Turnul Ștefan), a 15th-century Gothic tower offering a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains.

(Source: Ediția de Dimineață)

For history enthusiasts, the Butchers' Bastion (Bastionul Măcelarilor) is another must-see attraction, while art lovers can admire the heritage of the famous Baia Mare school of painting at the County Museum of Art (Muzeul Județean de Artă). If you are looking for a walk in nature combined with traditional architecture, the open-air exhibition at the Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) at the foot of Flower Hill (Dealul Florilor), as well as the Mineralogy Museum (Muzeul de Mineralogie) housing rare mineral specimens, will offer an unforgettable experience.

Plan your upcoming weekend right now and secure your spot for the latest international jazz experiences in Baia Mare!