Celebrating 45 Years of Ottawa Jazz Festival: A Symphony of Community and Innovation
- Karam Abdel Jabbar
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
This year, the Ottawa Jazz Festival proudly marked its 45th anniversary, celebrating decades of music, community, and artistic excellence. To honour this impressive milestone, we spoke with two dedicated festival leaders, Petr Cancura, Artistic & Executive Director, and Suzan Zilahi, Director of Marketing and Partnerships, who shared heartfelt reflections on the festival’s journey and future. Petr brings his extensive experience as a professional musician into the heart of festival programming.
"Knowing musicians and the local scene gives me significant insight," he says. His approach balances audience appeal with artistic authenticity, ensuring each performance tells a meaningful story.
"Our selections reflect genuine musical storytelling, whether traditional jazz or jazz-adjacent,” says Petr.
Discussing the balance between tradition and innovation, Petr describes jazz as a “broad spectrum,” from traditional sounds to contemporary styles. He explains that the festival intentionally features a mix of authentic jazz in smaller venues and lively performances blending jazz with more mainstream genres at late-night events.
Reflecting on the festival’s 45-year journey, Petr admits with a laugh, "Running a festival is not for the faint of heart." However, enduring community support has made the journey rewarding.
"Celebrating 45 years means people genuinely care about the festival, motivating us to keep it thriving."
When asked about his proudest moments, Petr highlights the importance of the festival community. "It's always about the people—the staff, local musicians, and volunteers. The camaraderie and passion make this festival special."
For emerging musicians, Ottawa Jazz Festival provides opportunities and inspiration.
"Ottawa often gets overlooked in touring circuits. The festival gives local musicians a chance to experience extraordinary performances, inspiring them to elevate their own music," Petr points out.
He also emphasizes the Youth Summit program’s role in supporting young artists through masterclasses, mentorship, and unique performance opportunities. The Summit is a weeklong intensive for promising Canadian jazz students under 23, culminating in a mainstage performance at the festival.
For Suzan Zilahi, this anniversary is deeply personal. Reflecting on her 18 years with the festival, she notes the significant changes she's witnessed.
"I've seen tremendous growth," shares Susan, recounting the festival's transition from a small weekend event near the National Arts Centre to its lively current home at Confederation Park. "It brings such life to downtown Ottawa during the summer. The artistry is profound, and I absolutely love our dynamic programming each year."
This year's festival lineup was particularly bold and creative. Suzan explains that the festival continually pushes boundaries with innovative and culturally rich programming.
"We don't need to highlight any single culture," she mentions. "It's all part of the festival's identity."
Free events play a key role in connecting with the community. Programs like the OLG Stage's daily noon shows and the “Homegrown Series,” which celebrates local venues and sponsors, reflect the festival’s commitment to community engagement.
"Free programming is vital to us and our sponsors," she emphasizes, highlighting the importance of giving back, especially after the challenges of recent years.
The festival’s downtown location also contributes significantly to Ottawa’s atmosphere. Popular late-night jam sessions at the Lord Elgin Hotel regularly draw crowds of local and visiting musicians, creating spontaneous and memorable performances. These gatherings boost local businesses and elevate Ottawa's reputation as a cultural hotspot.
Championing Canadian talent is another key focus of the festival.
"We're big believers in Canadian artists," Suzan notes. "People often underestimate the incredible wealth of talent right here in Ottawa. Each year, hundreds of Canadian musicians take our stages, often collaborating with international artists, showcasing music’s power as a universal language."
Looking to the future, both Petr and Suzan remain inspired by the community’s continued enthusiasm and support. Recalling the emotional return to live music after COVID, Suzan shares,
"The human connection of live music is incomparable feeling the music through your body, seeing the audience’s reaction… It hits you hard, reminding you how worthwhile it all is."
Congratulations to Ottawa Jazz Festival on 45 remarkable years. We celebrate your success and eagerly anticipate many more years of exceptional music!
