esperanza spalding x 2 + 13 new program releases!
Moldejazz is now announcing the first two concerts with this year’s Artist in Residence, the American jazz star esperanza spalding, along with 13 additional program highlights
An Evening with esperanza spalding – Opening Concert
Artist in Residence esperanza spalding invites audiences into a sensorial and genre-defying performance where music and movement meet.
She will present new music created during her residency in Molde—rooted in jazz tradition and shaped through improvisation. Together with Norwegian musicians and dancers, she creates a work honoring her great-great-great-grandmother, who emigrated from Norway to the United States.
esperanza spalding with ESKA & Melissa Hié
A rare trio where three strong artistic voices meet in close interplay. esperanza spalding joins forces with British vocalist ESKA and percussionist Melissa Hié in a project that unites voice, bass, and rhythm in an open, improvised landscape—an exclusive concert experience only at Moldejazz 2026.
One of the hottest names on the global jazz scene right now, American Isaiah Collier presents Collier plays Coltrane, while UK jazz star Emma-Jean Thackray pays tribute to Miles Davis. The program also features American blues phenomenon Eric Gales.
We will also welcome pop and R&B rising star Ylva and Molde favorites GiddyGang & Vuyo.
Sofi O, known from the soul band Fieh, will appear at Die Tankstelle with her solo project. The venue will also host the acclaimed Reolô and the New Orleans-inspired Bech & Skeidsvoll New Orleans Band.
OJKOS performs Maria Dybbroe’s commissioned work WOOD WIDE WEB (2024), while Tuva Halse and Arne Torvik present the beautiful and intimate Sleeping Music. Espen Berg Trio returns with new music, promising an immersive and dynamic concert experience, and Tora DAA delivers an energetic and explosive blend of blues, soul, funk, and pop—fused into a gritty, groovy, and irresistible sound.
We are also announcing an alcohol-free event with no age limit on the festival’s final day, featuring Blåsemafian in Alexandraparken!