Since its creation, the Festival has been both a world-class venue for musical giants and a springboard for new talents. It has always been a place where the mix of cultures and generations were encouraged and where space was dedicated to encounters between artists and audiences. This tradition is what makes the Festival different from all others: the presence of talents and music legends such as Quincy Jones; the mix of those artists regardless of their age or the music they play; moments of intense interaction with the audience.

This vision has been carried through since 2007 by the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation, a state-approved non-profit foundation.  This entity thrives on goals for artists and for audiences:

For the former, it aims to scout and promote up-and -coming talents and to support creativity and career development.

For the latter, it introduces them to musical gems and makes music accessible to one and all. Maintaining a free access to cultural activities and concerts, the Foundation strengthens musical culture and live music outreach.

A part of the MJAF activities unfolds during the Montreux Jazz Festival to offer to the musicians and to audiences the rights conditions of emulation and musical discovery. During the rest of the year, the Foundation organizes in Switzerland and abroad various concerts to promote the artists it defends.

Foundation Board

Chairman: Xavier Oberson
Vice-Chairman: Mathieu Jaton
Members: S.A.R. Julie de Luxembourg, Wendy Oxenhorn, Magali Van Overbeke Deconinck, Stephanie Rada Zocco

Team

CEO: Mathieu Jaton
Secretary General : Viviane Rychner Raouf
Executive Assistant: Nathalie Oguey
Programmers: Stéphanie-Aloysia Moretti & Claudia Regolatti Müller