KRESTEN OSGOOD KVINTET + TALK ON DANISH JAZZ HISTORY
18/4/2026
Doors: 19:00 // Admission: 150 DKK
In 2026, jazz in Denmark turns 100 — and we’re marking the occasion with both a talk and a concert featuring one of the country’s most distinctive jazz figures: Kresten Osgood and his quintet.
The evening opens with a talk on the intellectual history and development of jazz, followed by Osgood taking the stage with his all-star quintet. Known for creating an almost magical interplay with his fellow musicians, he leads from the drum kit with a group that unites an intuitive understanding of jazz’s complexity with a deep respect for tradition and a sense of the possibilities ahead.
The talk and concert are presented in collaboration with Jazzselskabet Aarhus
PROGRAM
➤ Doors: 19:00
➤ Talk by Kresten Osgood: 19:30
➤ Kresten Osgood Quintet: 21:00
DANISH JAZZ HISTORY WITH KRESTEN OSGOOD
Kresten Osgood approaches the subject from multiple angles, exploring how the music has evolved over time. The intellectual history of jazz. What’s happening in Denmark? How does it compare to the rest of the world? What can jazz do in 2026? What can we use it for? What can we learn from it? Osgood shares musical examples, talks about improvisation, and places jazz in its wider context.
Kresten Osgood is a jazz musician and composer who has made his living playing jazz for 30 years. He has been an associate professor at the Rhythmic Music Conservatory, created television and radio programmes, and produced the award-winning DR podcast: “Farlige toner – historien om dansk jazz”, which tells the chronological story of jazz in Denmark from the moment the first saxophone arrived in the country.
KRESTEN OSGOOD KVINTET
When Kresten Osgood and his quintet take the stage, it’s not just a concert – it’s a journey into the open landscape of music.
Norwegian trumpet star Erik Kimestad illuminates the compositions with his bright, crystalline tone, while cult saxophonist Mads Egetoft adds depth and fearless improvisation. Pianist Jeppe Zeeberg brings both harmonic richness and bold experimentation, and bassist Matthias Petri grounds the music with a resonant, full-bodied sound – all while pushing at the edges of rhythm and harmony.
Kresten Osgood is an artist who both defies and embraces every category. An extraordinary drummer and improviser with deep respect for tradition – and a constant desire to challenge it. He has appeared on around 100 albums and performed with legends such as Roscoe Mitchell, Joe Lovano, William Parker, Mats Gustafsson, Brad Mehldau, and many more.