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Hannah Lindemann – EJN Staff Exchange 2025
Sending EJN member: Monheim Triennale (Germany)
Hosting EJN member: Oslo Jazzfestival (Norway)
Dates of the exchange: 8–17 August 2025
On my first day at the office, Friday 8 August, with the festival only three days away, I met the team and quickly learned a great deal about the programme, the festival venues, and the organisational structure. Shortly afterwards, Aurora, the intern, and I were sent on a small mission. We walked through the city, passing several festival locations, and when we finally arrived at our destination, we realised we were in the wrong place. We had a good laugh and eventually managed to pick up coffee from a local roastery — our contribution to keeping everyone awake during the six days of the Oslo Jazzfestival.
Soon after, I had the opportunity to accompany Line Juul, Festival Director of the Oslo Jazzfestival, on a visit to Norges Musikkhøgskole, where I could ask all my questions about Norway and its relationship with jazz. She shared stories about Oslo and its 39-year love affair with the festival.
The city was ready. On the very first day, the festival kicked off with a parade through the heart of Oslo. Sonic Sensation set the tone with a high-energy performance of funky jazz — a powerful way to announce: “Here we are!”
Throughout the week, each day began with a morning meeting, and each night ended with me falling into bed, inspired by the people I met, the music I heard, and the energy of the city. I spent my days moving between local volunteers and international festival directors, youth concerts and established artists, morning meetings and late-night shows, running errands and sitting down for coffee to reflect on what we had just experienced. The entire city felt transformed into a vibrant jazz playground.
Dear Oslo Jazzfestival, I hope we meet again — auf Wiedersehen.
