2025 Conference dates and partners in Cardiff confirmed

Wales is now confirmed as the host country for the 2025 JPN Conference 7 – 8 Nov 2025. We are pleased to confirm our venue partners will be the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and Cardiff University.

Some may have read of the possible closure of the Music School at the University (and the many expressions of concern about such a move); we are delighted to let you know that this (which if it happens at all would not be until 2030)  will in no way affect plans for the conference.

Dr Charles Wilson (Music Lecturer, Cardiff University) and Penny King (Head of Creative Programming, RWCMD) comment as follows:

The JPN conference is a perfect example of what RWCMD and Cardiff School of Music can do together but could not do on their own. Both institutions are central to the musical ecology of Wales. (Charles Wilson).

Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is delighted to collaborate with Cardiff University School of Music in hosting the JPN conference. This partnership highlights how our institutions complement each other by drawing on our distinct strengths to deliver a comprehensive event for the UK and Irish jazz sector in Cardiff. (Penny King)

Many musicians and composers have expressed outrage at the proposed closure of the much-respected music department which has produced so many excellent and successful artists, including the latest winner of BBC Young Jazz Musician 2024-  Ursula Harrison. Our colleagues at the University Music Department urge JPN members and partners to sign the petition below to join the 20,000 plus who have already signed.

https://www.change.org/p/save-cardiff-university-school-of-music