It’s hard to think of jazz in Montreal without mentioning Diana Krall. The Canadian star will soon be returning to Place des Arts for the International Jazz Festival, proving once again that Montreal is a global capital of the genre. Yet, beyond today’s big stars, jazz also belongs to all the women who have shaped and transformed it throughout its history.
This June 2026, Montreal has decided to honor these women. From the Festival’s massive outdoor stages to the intimate charm of candlelit concerts, the city celebrates those who didn’t just sing jazz, but revolutionized it.
More than just voices: the women who created jazz
While names like Miles Davis or Louis Armstrong often come to mind, the “Jazz Queens” shattered glass ceilings long before the term even existed. Take Ella Fitzgerald: by elevating “scat” to the status of a complex instrument, she proved that the female voice was technically just as formidable as the fastest bebop saxophone.
For her part, Nina Simone turned the stage into a platform. For the “Priestess of Soul,” jazz was not just about notes, but a tool for activism in the service of civil rights. Today, this legacy resonates more than ever in Montreal’s cultural landscape, where the new generation continues to uphold these values of activism and technical excellence.
Montreal Jazz Festival: Women Headlining This Summer
From June 25 to July 4, Montreal will vibrate to the rhythm of the International Jazz Festival, and this year, the female headliners are making a big splash. A true tour de force awaits festivalgoers:
- Diana Krall (June 26–27): The Canadian icon takes the stage at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier for a moment that is already shaping up to be historic.
- Hiromi (June 28): The Japanese piano prodigy returns to electrify Théâtre Maisonneuve with her dazzling technique and infectious energy.
- Cécile McLorin Salvant (June 26): A unique voice that pushes the boundaries of the genre through theatrical vocal storytelling, also to be discovered at Théâtre Maisonneuve.
- Mohini Dey (June 25): For fusion fans, don’t miss this prodigious bassist’s free show at Studio TD.
Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald: a timeless night by candlelight
As the perfect prelude to the Festival, the Candlelight series presents an exceptional evening on June 7, 2026. The event will take place in the sumptuous setting of Le 9e, the Art Deco-style restaurant at the Eaton Centre.
The Candlelight Concert : Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, and the Women of Jazz immerses the audience in a sea of candles to rediscover the repertoires of these icons. It’s an opportunity to hear classics like “Feelin’ Good” or “Fly Me to the Moon” in a cozy, intimate setting, performed by local talents who bring these legendary voices back to life.
While the Jazz Festival is the place to celebrate the future, Candlelight is where we come to honor the history and pure emotion of these pioneers.