Jelena Stupaka, a Brussels-based vocalist with Baltic roots, has been captivating audiences with her soulful blend of jazz, folk, and contemporary sounds since joining Belgium’s Interfak Big Band in 2012. Formed in 1984 at KU Leuven, the band brings together musicians from diverse faculties to perform a vibrant mix of classic big band hits, jazz standards, and modern compositions. In a special one-off collaboration, they joined forces with renowned Belgian trumpeter and composer Bert Joris for a memorable concert in Leuven, fusing Stupaka’s emotive vocals with Joris’ masterful arrangements and the band’s dynamic energy. The ensemble has performed across Europe, the USA, and beyond, including a standout show at the 2019 Saulkrasti Jazz Festival in Latvia and an upcoming Australia tour (Aug 24-28, 2025), featuring a one-night extravaganza at the Sydney Opera House with Regent Street Big Band.