“We’re talking about one of the most innovative vocal ensembles that has been heard for a very long time. (…) Oslo 14 is brave, different – a vocal ensemble like no else.”
– Tor Hammerø, Tor de Jazz
The ensemble was initiated by singer and composer Elin Rosseland together with Østnorsk Jazzsenter in 2014.
Spring 2017, singer and composer Andreas Backer is the new artistic director, focusing on free vocal improvisation in a large format.
Oslo 14 also cooperate with various Norway based composers. Their aim is to combine free improvisation esthetics with composed, contemporary music.
The ensemble work mainly with pure human voice sounds, most often acoustically, but occasionally even with live electronics, effects etc. as well.
Their first album, Improvisasjon*Komposisjon, was released fall 2016 on NOR CD.
Oslo 14’s second album, Improvisation*Composition II, was released September 2018, this time on Losen Records.