Wendel and the Norwegian Wind Ensemble live

April 15th, 2026:

During the pandemic, Ben Wendel explored the possibilities of creating music in which he records all the parts himself. This resulted in the critically acclaimed album All One, where Wendel layers saxophone and bassoon, with valuable contributions from stars such as Bill Frisell, Tigran Hamasyan, and Cécile McLorin Salvant. With All One, he realized the dream in the studio—but the dream was always to hear the music live, performed by a real ensemble. At this year’s Oslo Jazz Festival, that dream comes true with the Norwegian Wind Ensemble and conductor Geir Lysne, at the University Aula, Thursday August 13th. Tickets can be purchased here.

The Norwegian Wind Ensemble has long been searching for jazz that can be performed without the traditional rhythm section—music in which rhythm and harmony are largely created by the wind players themselves. In Wendel’s music, the ensemble found exactly what they were looking for, and with Lysne’s striking arrangements, the stage is set for a major concert experience.

Ben Wendel is today considered one of the most innovative and in-demand saxophonists in international jazz. He is known from the highly acclaimed quartet Kneebody and has received awards both as a performer and composer. With his deep knowledge of jazz, pop, and classical music, he has developed a unique voice that belongs as much in the concert hall as in the dim light of a jazz club.

The Norwegian Wind Ensemble is an artistic powerhouse with roots in history and a forward-looking perspective. Its repertoire is broad, and its collaborators—both nationally and internationally—are many, led by curators Peter Whelan and Geir Lysne. The ensemble is based in Halden, as it was when it served as a military band from 1734 until becoming a civilian ensemble in 2003. It is therefore the country’s oldest continuously operating orchestra.

Geir Lysne is a saxophonist, composer, and arranger. He has been the chief conductor of the NDR Big Band in Germany for many years and has conducted artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Joe Lovano, Mory Kanté, and Nils Landgren. In addition to being a professor at the Norwegian Academy of Music, he is also curator for contemporary music at the Norwegian Wind Ensemble.

Ben Wendel - soloist, composer, Geir Lysne - conductor, The Norwegian Wind Ensemble