U.K. telecoms giant BT has forged a three-year agreement to act as main partner and official provider of communications solutions for the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Financial terms of the deal, which will also see BT provide Internet hosting for the festival’s Web presence, were not unveiled.
“Music is a universal language understood by all so we are delighted to be able to support this event, which embodies all that is great about jazz and music in general,” comments Francois Barrault, CEO BT Global Services in a statement. “This partnership brings together BT as the leading enabler of global communications with one of the music worlds showcase festivals.”
BT has an expanding portfolio of entertainment sponsorship arrangements, which includes a deal for Britain’s Isle of Wight Festival, held this year from June 13-15.
Founded by Claude Nobs, the first Montreux Jazz Festival in 1967 featured such jazz names as Keith Jarrett, Cecil McBee and Jack DeJohnette, with a smattering of pop glamor provided by U.K. hit act Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger and Trinity.
Since then, Montreux has welcomed talent from almost every genre of music, including such giants as Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, B.B. King, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Deep Purple, Radiohead and R.E.M.
Swiss-born Nobs was honored with the prestigious Midem personality of the year award in January 2007.
This year’s event, to be held from July 4-19, features an eclectic line-up including performances from the likes of Adele, Alicia Keys, Leonard Cohen, CSS, Herbie Hancock and Gnarls Barkley.
