Opening concert: Masqualero

Masqualero reunites and opens Oslojazz 2024

Oslo Jazz Festival is proud to present Masqualero as this year's opening concert at the Norwegian Opera & Ballet on Sunday, August 11!

Masqualero is a Norwegian jazz adventure, leaving lasting impressions during an eventful decade. The band came together when Arild Andersen was asked to perform a trio concert in Kongsberg in the fall of 1982. Andersen reached out to pianist Jon Balke and drummer Jon Christensen, whom he knew well. Christensen suggested bringing saxophonist Tore Brunborg and trumpeter Nils Petter Molvær, two young and extremely talented musicians. Masqualero quickly made its mark with modern, driving jazz with a fresh twist. A perfect balance of youthful enthusiasm and jazz expertise created great music, allowing each member to shine.

After their self-titled debut album won the Spellemann Prize in 1983 and the band conquered Norway, they began touring in Europe, the USA, and Canada. They also released three subsequent critically acclaimed albums on ECM Records before concluding with a concert at Cosmopolite in the fall of 1992, in addition to a reunion concert on Jon Christensen's 60th birthday in 2003.

The demand for live performances by the band has been enormous over the past 30 years. Therefore, we are greatly looking forward to experiencing Masqualero's music on stage again, featuring Andersen, Molvær, Balke, Brunborg, and with Gard Nilssen on drums.

Arild Andersen – bass, Nils Petter Molvær – trumpet, Jon Balke – piano, Tore Brunborg – saxophone, Gard Nilssen – drums

Concert starts: 18.00

Doors: 17.00

Cover: Grappa/Odin