Maijazz was at the forefront of welcoming jazz performers with a taste – and a talent – for large formats in a symphonic setting. More than 30 years have passed since the festival’s first endeavour to bring such a concept to life, and the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra has since had the privilege of working with many great artists in such a setting. The SSO has taken the challenge in its stride.
Now it’s Silje Nergaard’s turn to join the ranks along with her band.
On her new album, Tomorrow We’ll Figure Out the Rest, Silje has composed a collection of melodious songs inspired by classic jazz standards. Songs about life and love – universal themes that we can all relate to. In 2025, she embarked on an extensive European tour with some of Norway’s most prominent jazz musicians. In May 2026, it will finally be Stavanger’s turn, and we will have the pleasure of hearing her in a symphonic guise. Silje is set to bring the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra and conductor Hans Ek together for an exclusive concert at Zetlitz.
“This was my parents’ pop music, the music they sang and danced to. I grew up with this music and it became an important source of inspiration to me when I started writing my own songs. Jazz has always been at the very core of everything I’ve created. But I’ve always tried to create my own personal twist.”
In this album, Silje returns to jazz, where it all began in 2001 with At First Light, which opened the door to the international jazz scene. Her latest songs have been recorded with the band she goes back many years with, along with the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra. The arrangements have been written by American multi-Grammy winner Vince Mendoza.
“It isnt in my DNA to take the fast and easy routes. I want to make beautiful, timeless recordings in today’s volatile world and industry – we live in a time where things come and go at speed, and are just as quickly forgotten. That’s why it’s so important for me to maintain a high artistic level across the board. And I want my songs to be timeless, just like the songs that have inspired me to write my own.”
Silje’s band featuring Espen Berg on piano, Jarle Vespestad on drums and Finn Guttormsen on bass has played a significant role throughout her musical career. They have traveled with her around the world and participated in many concerts and recordings. They are all unique instrumentalists, and bring an individually personal touch to her music with their playfulness, warmth and sensitivity. Silje describes her musicians as family: “We know each other so well and are so intertwined – it’s as though we breathe from the same lung.
Silje Nergaard, on vocals
Espen Berg on piano, Jarle Vespestad on drums, Finn Guttormsen on bass
Stavanger Symphony Orchestra – under the direction of Hans Ek
Time and place:
Friday 8 May at 18:00 hrs.
Stavanger Concert Hall – Zetlitz
Foto: Jørgen Nordeng