Aulaseriene and Jazz Music Norway cordially invite you to a spectacular concert experience at the University Aula on September 26, 2023. Join us as we celebrate the 125th anniversary of George Gershwin and the centennial of "Rhapsody in Blue." Experience the Norwegian Jazz Orchestra in a real-time fusion of classical and jazz music, featuring captivating performances by international stars: Hetty Kate (AUS), Jimmy Roberts (USA), Felix Peikli, Knut Kippersund, and Thormod Rønning Kvam. Welcome to a memorable commemoration of Gershwin's iconic life and musical legacy!

Hetty Kate (Australia/UK):
Hetty Kate is an iconic jazz vocalist who has conquered international stages with her dazzling voice and natural sense of rhythm. From collaborating with legendary artists like James Morrison and touring with symphony orchestras worldwide, to captivating audiences at renowned festivals such as the Malta International Jazz Festival and Mithra International Jazz Festival, Hetty Kate has forged an impressive career and is widely regarded as the world's foremost swing vocalist. Her authentic interpretation of lyrics and broad repertoire, spanning from early swing to modern jazz, testify to her passion and musical prowess.

Jimmy Roberts (USA):
Jimmy Roberts is an internationally acclaimed American composer, pianist, and entertainer known for his musical works including "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" and "The Thing About Men." He has achieved great success with "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," which is one of the longest-running Off-Broadway musicals ever, and "The Thing About Men," which was awarded Best Musical by the New York Outer Critics Circle. As a talented pianist and performer, he combines classical and popular music, humor, and song in his programs. As one of the world's leading experts on George Gershwin's life and career, Jimmy Roberts' impressive contributions to the musical scene have made him a prominent figure in the music world.

Felix Peikli:
Felix, born in Oslo, Norway, discovered his passion for music through the local school band when he was eight years old. After receiving a Benny Goodman album from his grandfather, Felix developed a lifelong dedication and devotion to jazz music. At his first official performance, Felix impressed His Majesty the King and Queen when he was twelve years old. His talent and commitment have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades, including the Oslo City Artist Award and a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he completed a bachelor's degree in Music Performance. Felix has collaborated and performed with renowned artists such as Wayne Shorter, Chucho Valdés, and Marcus Miller, and has released critically acclaimed albums. He has played at famous venues and festivals around the world and uses his music for charitable purposes, especially through collaborations with "Playing for a Future" to bring music education and instruments to children in impoverished countries. Felix is also the Artistic Director of the Norwegian Jazz Orchestra, music arranger, and founder of Jazz Music Norway.

Knut Kippersund:
Knut Kippersund Nesdal, raised in Hedmark with a theater family background, early directed his interest towards the stage. With countless appearances on television, radio, and theater, he is currently a front figure in the band New Brian and has performed at prestigious venues such as The Great Escape in Brighton and the Underwood stage at Norwegian Wood. With his versatile talent, Knut has performed as a soloist with numerous symphony orchestras and smaller ensembles. As the born crooner, he has dedicated tribute concerts to jazz legends like Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles, to name a few. Together with his sister and brother-in-law, he formed the experimental pop-jazz band Ted Glen Extended, and their debut EP has been well received. Knut Kippersund Nesdal is a versatile artist with an impressive musical career that continues to grow and captivate audiences.

Carl Nilsen:
Carl Nilsen is a Norwegian conductor, composer, and arranger. He has a formal education from the Barratt Due Institute of Music with a bachelor's degree in Performing Arts (classical clarinet) and a master's degree from the Norwegian Academy of Music (orchestral conducting) under the guidance of Professor Ole Christian Ruud. He was a member of the Conductors' Forum 2020-2022 and has participated in master classes with renowned conductors such as Paavo Järvi, Juanjo Mena, Vasily Petrenko, Hannu Lintu, Johannes Schlaefli, and Eivind Gullberg Jensen. Nilsen has also studied film music with a specialization in conducting at the Norwegian Film School. From 2023 to 2025, he will pursue a new master's degree in orchestral conducting at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. Carl Nilsen is a talented and versatile musician who continues to evolve as a conductor and musical creator.

Norwegian Jazz Orchestra:
The Norwegian Jazz Orchestra is a 17-piece symphony orchestra consisting of Norway's leading classical and jazz-traditional musicians. Their greatest strength lies in their diversity: the broad palette of artists provides them with a unique opportunity to refine repertoire and artistic expression to match any situation. Founded in 2019 by Felix Peikli and Carl Nilsen, the Norwegian Jazz Orchestra has performed on major stages with acclaimed soloists, including the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet with Ralph Peterson in "I Remember Bu - Art Blakey's 100th Anniversary," Røykenvik Opera Festival, house orchestra in the Afternoon Jazz concert series at Kulturkirken Jakob, and house orchestra at the Karpedammen Festival with guest artists such as Adam Douglas, Inger Lise Rypdal, Silya, Heine Totland, and more.

• Organizer Name: Jazz Music Norway | Aulaseriene
• Email: post@jazzmusic.no
• Website: www.jazzmusic.no | www.aulaseriene.no