The College of Music, Mahidol University, will write a new chapter in Thailand’s jazz history with the 17th Thailand International Jazz Conference (TIJC) 2026, scheduled for January 23-25, 2026, at the College of Music, Salaya Campus. Dozens of world-class jazz artists from around the globe will gather to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the legendary John Coltrane.Artistic Director Darin Pantoomkomol affirmed that the 2026 edition of TIJC marks a defining milestone for the global jazz community. “The central theme of TIJC 2026 is a comprehensive tribute to Coltrane, whose artistry played a pivotal role in reshaping the musical landscape,” said Darin. “One of the clearest examples of his enduring influence is Giant Steps, which introduced the complex yet harmonically logical progression now known as the ‘Coltrane Changes.’”
A commemorative exhibition will trace Coltrane’s artistic journey from the bebop era through his later spiritual period. The tribute reaches its pinnacle on Saturday evening, January 24, at Prince Mahidol Hall, with a special performance of Coltrane’s masterpiece A Love Supreme. Originally conceived as a unified four-movement work for a quartet of piano, bass, drums, and saxophone, the composition has been newly arranged for full orchestra and jazz ensemble for TIJC 2026. The performance will feature the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra with acclaimed tenor saxophonist Donny McCaslin, widely known for his work with the Maria Schneider Orchestra, as the soloist.
The TIJC 2026 Main Stage lineup spans classic and modern jazz, transforming Salaya into a true “Jazz Musicians’ Paradise.” Headlining the world-class event are renowned artists including Joey Calderazzo, the legendary pianist and longtime collaborator of Michael Brecker, appearing in a trio format; Donny McCaslin, performing with his Electric Jazz Quintet in addition to his role in A Love Supreme; and Seamus Blake, the Canadian-born, New York–based saxophonist, returning with a distinctive jazz quartet featuring organ, bass, drums, and saxophone. Also appearing is Italian pianist Luca Filastro, a leading virtuoso of the stride piano tradition, presented by Italian Cultural Institute of Bangkok.
TIJC 2026 is one of the region’s largest platforms for jazz education and cultural exchange, The conference combines performances, workshops, and scholarly activities, serving students, professionals, scholars, and audiences. Over time, TIJC has become a regular gathering point for the jazz community, evolving from a primarily local meeting into an international one, with artists from different countries returning year after year.
