behind jazzambach is a dedicated team of musicians, people passionate about culture and jazz enthusiasts, united by a love of music and a desire to breathe new life into jazz in vorarlberg.

the festival’s driving force and curator is internationally renowned vorarlberg pianist and composer david helbock. his idea and vision brought jazzambach to life – a true labour of love. inspired by his mentor peter madsen and the “collective of improvising artists” (c.i.a.), he wanted to take the ideas of encounter, improvisation and community forward in a new way. helbock’s aim was to bring different jazz scenes together and create a place for meaningful exchange: between local talent and international greats, and between audiences and artists during and between concerts and workshops.

jazzambach took place for the first time from 26 february to 2 march 2025, with 12 concerts and 6 workshops at three special locations in götzis: kulturbühne ambach, st. arbogast and the alte kirche. around 1,600 visitors experienced a festival week full of musical diversity, passion and inspiring encounters.

the festival is organised by the non-profit jazzambach association, whose members are:

anton steinberger – treasurer and board member

brigitte plemel – board member

david helbock – founder and co-chair

edith lamper-deuring – founder and co-chair

fabio devigelli – board member

isabella pincsek – board member

lisa schuler, who works at kulturbühne ambach for the municipality of götzis, manages the project. through this partnership, and in a role outside the association, she is responsible for the festival’s organisation and acts as the central contact. together with the dedicated board, she ensures the festival is delivered professionally and continues to develop.

jazzambach is more than a festival: it is a platform for exchange, inspiration and community. from 17 to 21 february 2027, jazzambach invites you to götzis for the third time. in the long term, the festival aims to become a fixture in vorarlberg’s cultural calendar: open, passionate and exhilarating. like jazz itself.