Moldejazz now unveils three critically acclaimed artists for this year’s festival programme: the groundbreaking harp innovator Brandee Younger, the internationally acclaimed Nduduzo Makhathini Trio, and Molde native Daniel Herskedal, who will bring the festival to a close with an intimate solo concert. The three artists represent distinct musical expressions and backgrounds, yet are united by improvisation, artistic curiosity, and jazz’s unique ability to reflect the contemporary world. Artistic Director Magnus Lunay says that the artists embody three different musical voices with diverse cultural backgrounds, brought together through improvisation and the festival’s long-standing history as an international jazz arena with its gaze firmly set on the future.

Melsom is 36 years old and comes from Oslo. She has led numerous projects across a wide range of music and festival events, including serving as project lead for the entire Spellemann Awards in 2023. She holds relevant education from BI, OsloMet, the University of Oslo, and NTNU, and has built broad organizational experience along with a strong national and international network

15 artists showcasing the festival’s breadth, power, and artistic direction This year, the festival has placed particular emphasis on artistic diversity, resulting in a program announcement that embraces both audience favorites and boundary-pushing artistic expressions. Among the major names are Cécile McLorin Salvant, CARRTOONS, Marilyn Crispell, and Jaga Jazzist, while artists such as Anatole Muster, Charlotte Dos Santos, Karoline Wallace, and corto.alto represent a new generation that challenges and expands the jazz field. At the same time, space has been made for Norway’s jazz heritage through Ytre Suløens Jass-Ensemble, while the energetic and widely popular Blåsemafian and the hip-hop improvisation phenomenon Harry Mack ensure that the festival’s reach spans both younger and more established audiences.