Jan Gunnar Hoff

Experience an extraordinary meeting of Nordic jazz and Australian musical innovation when acclaimed Norwegian pianist Jan Gunnar Hoff joins Sydney ensemble Elysian Fields for a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration inspired by the landscapes, traditions and musical cultures of Scandinavia and Australia.

Northern Lights–Southern Cross is a partnership based on friendship and musical respect that spans 15,000 kilometres – quite literally from the Northern Lights to the Southern Cross. Jenny Eriksson and Jan Gunnar Hoff first performed together in northern Norway, laying the foundation for this rare transcontinental collaboration.

The concert will feature the world premiere of a new work by Hoff, commissioned by Eriksson and Elysian Fields, alongside Hoff&#39;s compositions Living and Meditatus, both featured on Elysian Fields&#39; 2020 album. In addition, Norwegian artist MAUD aka Kristine Hoff, Jan Gunnar’s daughter, will join him and Elysian Fields performing several songs written by her father. Maud released her critically acclaimed third solo album earlier this year.

Described by Limelight Magazine as a &quot;compelling mixture of Scandinavian folk, classical and jazz influences&quot;, Elysian Fields is one of Australia&#39;s most distinctive contemporary ensembles. Formed in 2015 by Jenny Eriksson, pianist Matt McMahon and saxophonist Matt Keegan, the group has developed a unique musical voice that blends Nordic folk traditions with contemporary jazz and improvisation. Their sound combines voice, violin, saxophone, piano, bass, drums and the rare electric viola da gamba, creating music that is intimate, cinematic and deeply evocative.

Drawing on Eriksson&#39;s Scandinavian heritage, Elysian Fields brings together some of Australia&#39;s finest improvising musicians and is one of the few Australian ensembles dedicated to exploring the rich intersection of Nordic folk traditions, contemporary jazz and classical influences. The ensemble has released three acclaimed albums and performed at leading jazz, folk and classical venues and festivals across Australia&#39;s east coast.

Acclaimed Norwegian pianist, composer and Steinway Artist Jan Gunnar Hoff is one of the leading figures in European jazz. Based in Bodø, above the Arctic Circle, Hoff has performed and recorded with internationally renowned artists including Pat Metheny and Mike Stern. A recipient of Norway&#39;s prestigious Buddy Prize, he brings his lyrical, atmospheric style to Australia for this unique collaboration. His 27-album career includes the Grammy-nominated Quiet Winter Night, for which he served as arranger, pianist and musical director.

Joining Hoff, Elysian Fields presents Susie Bishop (voice and violin), Loretta Palmeiro (saxophone), Jenny Eriksson (electric viola da gamba), Jacques Emery (double bass) and Rease Cameron (drums), creating a musical journey that bridges continents, cultures and traditions through a shared spirit of creativity and improvisation.

Jan Gunnar Hoff • Elysian Fields

Event Description

Northern Lights-southern Cross; Elysian Fields & Jan Gunnar Hoff

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