Fans will remember Armenian pianist Tigran Hamasyan’s last performance at Cully in 2022, which almost didn’t happen, causing some nervous moments for the festival organizers. Fortunately, the concert went on, showcasing Hamasyan’s originality and virtuosity alongside his trio. Returning to a familiar stage, the musician now unveils a stunning and ambitious solo work. "The Bird of a Thousand Voices" merges jazz improvisation with the rich traditions of his Armenian heritage. Inspired by the ancient folktale "Hazaran Blbul," the piece brings to life the mythical bird that traverses the world, spreading harmony through its thousand songs.

For its 2025 edition, the HEMU Jazz Orchestra teams up with the HEMU Contemporary Ensemble for a remarkable creation, premiered at this Cully Jazz concert. Inspired by the works of French composer Maurice Ravel, "Ravel et les sortilèges" features a series of original compositions by Uri Caine. The innovative approach of this virtuoso American pianist boldly and brilliantly bridges the worlds of jazz and classical music. On stage, this genre fusion will offer an extraordinary musical experience, performed by 16 young instrumentalists under the direction of Caine, Thomas Dobler, and Guillaume Bourgogne.