Marius Neset & Bergen Big Band

In 2021, Bergen Big Band celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special event that led to a collaboration with renowned saxophonist and composer Marius Neset. To mark this milestone, Neset composed a commissioned piece for the orchestra, which received rave reviews and an enthusiastic response.

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Neset describes the piece as vibrant, uplifting music characterized by optimism and positivity, drawing on a unique rhythmic universe created together with his musical soulmate, Norwegian Swedish drum artist Anton Eger.

Here are Neset´s own reflections on the project:

 

"After working on numerous projects at home and abroad with orchestras like the London Sinfonietta, Tapiola Sinfonietta, Basel Sinfonietta, the National Orchestra of Belgium, Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, KORK, and many others, it feels very special to return to Bergen and compose new music for the Bergen Big Band."

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The collaboration now continues with the release of a new album in fall 2025. Afterwards, the plan is a tour in Scandinavia and, hopefully, on the European continent in 2026.

 

Over just a few years, Neset has become one of Europe’s most critically acclaimed and respected composers. This frequently award winning musician, with his incredible polyrhythms, has redefined the role of the saxophone as a lead instrument in orchestral contexts.

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Bergen Big Band ranks among Norway´s premier professional big bands, performing at major jazz festivals, including those in Copenhagen, London, and Montreal. Through partnerships with esteemed composers, band leaders, and soloists, the ensemble has established itself as a highly sought-after collaborator on both the national and international stage.

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The orchestra´s quality and appeal are further evidenced by performances with international stars like Diana Krall, Chris Potter, Terje Rypdal, and Maria Schneider, to name just a few. 

 

In a review of the orchestra and Neset following a concert in Oslo, Tor Hammerø wrote:

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“Norway has certainly gained a new world-class saxophonist and composer, and Bergen now has a big band that delivers challenging but beautiful music at an extraordinarily high level. Prolonged standing ovations after the second piece say it all.”

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Review 

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Interview