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Oslo 14 is a vocal ensemble pool of 15-20 singers based in Oslo, Norway.
The ensemble was initiated by singer/composer Elin Rosseland together with Østnorsk Jazzsenter November 2014.
Spring 2017, singer/composer Andreas Backer is the new artistic director, focusing on free vocal improvisation in a large format. As well as various commission works by Norwegian composers – combining free improvisation esthetics with composed, contemporary music.
The ensemble works mainly with pure human voice sounds, most often acoustically, but occasionally even with live electronics, effects etc. as well.
Oslo 14 aim to develop and perform new, contemporary music as singers with jazz and improvisation background. And to push Norwegian choir/vocal ensemble music, as well as improvised music, in a new direction.
Most of the singers are educated from the Norwegian Academy of Music, now freelance singers/musicians within the styles of jazz, pop, folk, improv, contemporary classical music etc.
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.
Next release/s is planned to happen fall 2019.
Members (present and previous)
Karoline Ruderaas Albrigtsen,
Bethany Forseth-Reichberg,
Åshild Bergill Hagen,
Ingrid Vik Henriksen,
Lise Hvoslef,
Hanne Kalleberg,
August Kann,
Therese Lech,
Hanna Nydal,
Lisbeth-Anita Grimsø Olsen,
Giuseppe Creazzo Pantano,
Astrid Elisabeth Pedersen,
Ingrid Støylen Runde,
Seshen,
Live Sollid Schulerud,
Sigrid Strand Stiberg,
Signe Irene Stangborli Time,
Thomas Tvedt,
Marthe Haaland Wang,
Thea Emilie Wang,
Sigrid Aase,
Eline Hellerud Åsbakk,
Bendik Sells,
Birte Slettevoll,
Petter H. Bermingrud,
Sean Bell,
Caroline A. Bakke,
Eva B. Storrusten,
Vemund G. Kjelstad,
Gro-Marthe Dickson,
Elin Rosseland/Andreas Backer
History and previous projects
February 2015, Oslo 14 collaborated with Camille Norment on her sound installation for the Venice Biennale in 2015 – ‘Rapture’
(Http://www.oca.no/venice-biennale/venice-biennale-2015.1/)
February/March 2015, the ensemble made their first recording and video at legendary Rainbow Studio, Oslo.
Oslo 14’s debut concert was arranged by NyMusikk the 5th of June 2015 at Kvadraturen, Oslo, where they performed their first commission work, by Norwegian artist and composer Susanna.
The 11th of August 2015, Oslo 14 performed with the Norwegian jazz trio, Jøkleba, at Oslo Jazz Festival. The concert took place in main hall at Oslo University, as a celebration of 50th anniversary of John Coltrane’s album “A Love Supreme”.
February 2015 – February 2016, the ensemble made a series of recordings in Rainbow Studio, with their album “Improvisasjon*Komposisjon” as the result. The album features improvisations, and mentioned commission works by Susanna, and singer/composer Wenche Losnegård.
February 2016, Oslo 14 collaborated with composers Lisa Dillan, Sofia Jernberg and Wenche Losnegård, performing their commission works at Nasjonal Jazzscene, Victoria, Oslo.
October/November 2017, Oslo 14 worked with composers Guro S. Moe and Andreas Backer, and performed their commission works at Blow Out! and The Norwegian Academy of Music, Oslo. February 2018 the ensemble recorded the pieces, and released their second album, including these two commission works as well as free improvisation.
April 2018, Oslo 14 collaborated with composer Tone Åse, performing her commission work at Hausmania, Oslo. August 2018, the ensemble and Åse recorded Oslo 14’s third album, which will be released fall 2019.
July 2018, the ensemble performed composer/singer Sofia Jernberg’s new framework/composition at Kongsberg Jazz Festival, together with Jernberg taking part of Oslo 14 as a performer.
About the Name
The name of the ensemble was established when 14 singers started out in Oslo 2014.
In addition, the choice of name was meant as a tribute to style creators Oslo 13 – a legendary Norwegian “big band” active in the late 80’s/early 90’s. The ensemble Oslo 13 was constituted a “separate musical district”, as the city of Oslo had only 12 districts at that time.
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