Molde International Jazz Festival (MIJF) or Moldejazz (established 1961 in Molde) takes place annually in July, and is known as one of the oldest jazz festivals in Europe.
It was initiated by the local Storyville Jazz Club. Since 1964 it has received government support, and the government Buddy Award was for several years awarded at this festival.
MOLDE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
To the extent Molde International Jazz Festival operates with records, is probably the bassist Bjørn Kjellemyr holder of “Most festivals in a row” musicians record.
In 2015 he visits Molde International Jazz Festival for the 17th time in row as performer. Two club gigs with Dag Arnesen’s band is on the program for the versatile bassist.
Guttorm Guttormsen (1974), Jon Balke (1975), Karin Krog (1978), Knut Riisnæs (1984), Terje Rypdal (1985, 1986, 1988) and Jon Eberson (1987, 1989) are among the artists he has visited Moldejazz through the years.
Concerts have been broadcast to the EBU, the first was Guttorm Guttormsen’s quintet (1974), later Jan Gunnar Hoff Group (1996). The NRK transmit daily.
The composition Break of day in Molde (1969) was composed by Johs. Bergh and Karin Krog, based on Carla Bley’s Ida Lupino.
The town of Molde is beautifully situated by the Romadalsfjord on the northwest coast of Norway. From the airport, Årø, it takes 10 min. to drive to the town centre.
not to be missed
If you choose to fly to Molde it will take you approx. one hour from all the three largest cities in Norway; Oslo, Trondheim or Bergen.
Another alternative is to drive, which on average takes 7 hours from Oslo and 9 hours from Bergen.
From Trondheim the journey only takes 4 hours. It is also possible to travel to Molde by train and bus.
However, if you are travelling from somewhere along the coast from Bergen to the North Cape, using Hurtigruten, the renowned coastal liner, is an experience not to be missed!
There are a lot of people traveling to Molde for the Molde International Jazz Festival, and the hotels are often fully booked several months ahead. Molde Tourist Information can help you with accomodation www.visitmolde.com
