In addition to its international faculty, the Jazz Institute of the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (KUG) has over 50 years of tradition, which makes it Austria's premier educational institution for jazz. One of its main focuses is training and practice in the field of jazz orchestras, with two big bands rehearsing and playing regularly.

In addition, however, there is an equally active small band practice, in which students work on a wide variety of stylistic themes and develop their own improvisational language. One of these "flagships" is the master's ensemble led by Heinrich von Kalnein, which this academic year is also dedicated to his own music. Which, incidentally, he will also be doing exclusively from this fall... - HvK

KUG Lineage Ensemble is a quartet that plays modern jazz steeped in energy and interplay. Inspired by the hornless bands of John Scofield, Allan Holdsworth and Brad Mehldau this ensemble presents their own original music as well as rarely heard b-side classics. It's four person jazz interplay at it's finest and KUG is very proud of the incredible music these young talents produce within their group sound. - Chris Smith