The legendary band Masqualero set to open this year´s festival.

April 17, 2024

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

Please note! Tickets go on sale from Wednesday, April 24 at 11:00.

The demand for live performances from this legendary band has been immense over the past 30 years. We are therefore very excited to experience Masqualero's music on stage again, featuring Arild Andersen, Nils Petter Molvær, Jon Balke, Tore Brunborg, and with Gard Nilssen on drums.

Masqualero is a Norwegian jazz adventure, leaving a lasting impression during an eventful decade. The band came together when Arild Andersen was asked to play a trio concert at the Jazz Evidence club in Kongsberg in the fall of 1982. Andersen contacted 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.

After their self-titled debut album won the Spellemann Prize in 1983, they started touring in Europe, the USA, and Canada. They 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.

Festival director Line Juul is thrilled about their reunion: "As a jazz listener from the younger generation, I only know Masqualero from recordings and as a legendary band almost mythical, described as the absolute hippest jazz band of that time. The further careers of the musicians leave no doubt that we are talking about the very pinnacle of Norwegian jazz. I am incredibly excited to hear Masqualero live for the first time. This will be an evening for the Norwegian jazz history books!"

Arild Andersen also shares the enthusiasm: "It was very nice to be asked about Masqualero as the opening concert at the Opera. Even nicer, if possible, was that everyone in the band said yes before checking their calendars! That's what delights a bandleader. Fortunately, everyone was available after they checked. We are looking forward to it!"

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

Photo of Masqualero: Terje Mosnes