Donovan Haffner Takes 2026 Young Jazz Musician Award
Saxophonist Donovan Haffner has won the 2026 Musicians' Company Tina May Young Jazz Musician Award, with bassist Niklas Lukassen claiming the Audience Award. The jazz showcase took place at PizzaExpress Soho, spotlighting six outstanding emerging talents on one stage.
A Night of Fresh Jazz Talent in London
The six finalists — Donovan Haffner, Niklas Lukassen, Nick Davydenko, Klara Devlin, Will Inscoe, and Miles Pillinger — met on the day of the event and built a full two-set programme by mutual agreement. Each musician brought an original composition, reflecting a growing trend away from jazz standards. The result was a twelve-song evening that showcased both individual voice and collective chemistry.
Judges, Format and the Spirit of Collaboration
This year's judges were pianist Will Barry and saxophonist Tim Garland, both former winners of the award. The main prize includes £1,000 cash plus fees for a winner's headline gig. What made the night truly memorable was a spontaneous moment after the final number, when all six musicians on stage began hugging one another — a powerful reminder that jazz is collaborative, not competitive.
Jazz News: What This Award Means for the Scene
Events like this highlight the strength and diversity of the UK jazz scene, as well as the quality of jazz education shaping the next generation. Niklas Lukassen, who recently secured UK residency through a Global Talent Visa, winning the Audience Award adds an international jazz dimension to the story. These young musicians are proof that the future of jazz, soul, and creative improvisation is in confident hands.
Key Takeaways
Donovan Haffner's win at the 2026 Tina May Young Jazz Musician Award marks a significant moment for emerging UK jazz. The evening proved that the next generation of jazz musicians is not only technically gifted but deeply committed to the collaborative spirit that defines the art form.
Author: Sebastian Scotney
Source: UK Jazz News
Published: September 27, 2026
