A few weeks before the registration deadline for the 2026 Conad Jazz Contest, we interviewed a key figure in the competition: Claudia Galli, marketing and sponsorship manager for Umbria Jazz, who has managed the entire project on behalf of Umbria Jazz over the years and continues to manage the musicians and the winners’ tour.

Claudia is one of the most important and central figures in Umbria Jazz, and much of the Contest’s success is thanks to her!

Good morning, Claudia, what role do you have in the Umbria Jazz Foundation and the Conad Jazz Contest?

I’ve been working at Umbria Jazz for over twenty years, managing marketing and sponsorship.

The Contest was born 13 years ago from Conad’s desire to provide attention and opportunities for young jazz musicians.

As sponsorship manager, it was obvious and natural for me to support them in every way, right from the initial stages.

The Conad Jazz Contest is in its 13th edition this year: how have you seen the musicians evolve over the years?

The Contest, in which all of us at Umbria Jazz and Conad have believed deeply from the beginning, has grown every year. The same thing has happened with the musicians who have participated; their level has improved exponentially from the first edition to today.

What are the biggest challenges you face in organizing the Contest?

The biggest challenges never involve musical aspects, but always the practical aspects, such as organizing the bands’ arrival and departure, hotels, etc. We try to be extremely flexible, but it’s not always possible.

What has been the best moment of these years of the Contest? Any particular anecdotes?

Every year has been wonderful for me, and we’ve worked tirelessly to enrich the Contest with new content and opportunities. There are so many anecdotes, but what I love to remember most is the joy in their eyes, the excitement, and the commitment I see in the bands when they take the stage at UJ. 

What advice would you give to those who are still undecided about whether to enter? Why is it worth a try?

I deeply believe that in life, you always have to try. When you have a passion as great as music, having the opportunity to take the stage at Umbria Jazz is definitely worth it!

Thank you so much, Claudia. We can’t wait to see you at Umbria Jazz in Perugia, July 3rd-12th!