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Film 'Köln 75' chronicles teenager who booked Keith Jarrett's legendary concert

other · 2026-05-30

A new film titled 'Köln 75' tells the story of Vera Brandes, who at age 18 in 1975 booked pianist Keith Jarrett for a concert in Cologne, Germany. The performance, held at the Cologne Opera House, became one of the most famous in jazz history, resulting in the best-selling solo jazz album of all time, 'The Köln Concert'. Brandes, then a music promoter, convinced Jarrett to perform despite his exhaustion and a faulty piano. The movie explores her role in organizing the event and the lasting impact of that night.

Key facts

  • Vera Brandes was 18 years old when she booked Keith Jarrett for a concert in Cologne.
  • The concert took place in 1975 at the Cologne Opera House.
  • The performance resulted in the album 'The Köln Concert', the best-selling solo jazz album.
  • A new film titled 'Köln 75' chronicles Brandes' role in organizing the event.
  • Jarrett performed despite exhaustion and a faulty piano.
  • The concert is considered one of the most legendary in jazz history.
  • Brandes was a music promoter at the time.
  • The film is released by the Financial Times as per the source URL.

Entities

Artists

  • Keith Jarrett
  • Vera Brandes

Institutions

  • Cologne Opera House
  • Financial Times

Locations

  • Cologne
  • Germany

Sources