Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special
Jazzing up classical music in architectonical gems Oslo Chamber Music Festival attracts top classical artists from around the world for a celebration of the genre with a twist. Whether jazzing it up or performing the originals, the concerts take place in truly architectonical gems all over the Norwegian capital.
Oslo Chamber Music Festival was initiated in 1989 by renowned Norwegian violinist Arve Tellefsen, who was inspired by the intimate chamber music festivals in Europe and the US. Being the first of its kind in Norway, he wanted the festival to showcase the diversity of the genre by bringing music from the traditional small rooms to large-scale venues, mixed with modern music and jazz. “There is something for every taste and age,” managing director Kristin Slørdahl says, while emphasising that they also put on chamber music in its traditional form. The festival is so special that H. R. H. Queen Sonja of Norway is its patron, which has granted access to some unique concert venues including the Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace. Remarkable venues lie at the heart of the
By Helene Toftner | Photos: Kristin Bolgård
festival, which calls Akershus Fortress its home, while also frequently using the Opera House and Oslo Cathedral. Another treasured spot includes the University Ceremonial Hall, which houses several original Edvard Munch paintings. “Many of our venues are normally not open to the public, which makes it extra special,” Slørdahl notes. This year’s festival kicks off with a concert by world-renowned pianist Leif Ove Andsnes, followed by 24 concerts over nine days, performed by big international names alongside young artists at the start of their careers. The full programme is announced on 1 March. Please see: www.oslokammermusikkfestival.no
Jazz all over Norway A nationwide celebration of jazz music will take place in Norway from 29 January to 7 February 2016. From Vadsø in the north to Mandal in the south, clubs around the country will offer an exciting music experience along with beautiful sceneries and experiences. By Vilde Holta Røssland
Over the course of ten days, the entire jazz community in Norway will gather for Vinterjazz. Both national and international artists are on the programme when Norsk Jazzforum and its 38 member clubs put together over 70 different shows across the country. “We want to make sure that people know that things are happening in the music community in periods where you may not expect that much to be going on,” Aleksander Haugen, project manager of Vinterjazz, says. Through an event like Vinterjazz, you will experience firsthand the activity and enthusiasm music brings out in people. A mustering such as this acts as a joint effort for all the participating clubs. They 66 | Issue 84 | January 2016
get to put on a show under a common name and logo, and this way the music will reach more people. “Vinterjazz covers the whole spectrum of jazz, from improvisation and local jamming sessions to trad jazz,” Haugen says. There are many exciting artists on the programme this year, among them Eldbjørg Raknes and Oscar Grönberg, Arild Andersen, Guro von Germeten, Ytre Suløens Jass-Ensemble and Live Foyn Friis quartet. Moreover, Tord Gustavsen with Simin Tander and Jarle Vespestad will also be taking to the stage. If you are in the southern part of Norway during Vinterjazz, you will be lucky enough to get the chance to enjoy the trio SAH, who will be playing at several of the clubs. No matter what flavour of jazz you fancy, Vinterjazz has it all.
Press photo
Photo: Hans Fredrik Asbjørnsen
For more information, please visit: www.vinterjazz.no