TICKETS

Location: Vigeland Museum, Hall 8
Date: 31 May
Concert starts: 19:00
Doors open: 18:30
Price: NOK 250

In 2021, Kjetil Mulelid released his first solo piano album, Piano, and has since established himself as a distinctive voice within the format. Released on the renowned label Rune Grammofon as their only pure solo piano release, the album received widespread critical acclaim, with comparisons to artists such as Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett, while also drawing connections to the classical tradition through references to Chopin and Debussy. Mulelid is now presenting new music, and in August 2026 the follow up album Piano, Unfolding will be released. This evening at the Vigeland Museum offers a first glimpse into the upcoming record.

The solo format holds endless possibilities for exploration at the piano, something Mulelid has developed through concerts across Norway and abroad. In dialogue with the audience, the music continues to evolve, and each performance takes on its own unique character. His concerts are marked by an intimate and immediate presence, inviting listeners close to the music. What emerges is a space that feels both vulnerable, honest and exposed, while also opening into moments of powerful virtuosity. The improvisational passages grow out of both lyrical, melodic compositions and more open, playful sections. Mulelid’s musical language is rich and nuanced, balancing harmonic depth with melodic clarity. Inspired by both classical traditions and contemporary improvisers, he moves seamlessly between the composed and the spontaneous. The result is a concert experience that feels alive, present and constantly unfolding.

The reception of Mulelid’s previous releases reflects an artist with a remarkable impact: “A modern Nordic masterpiece” (Jazzwise), “The great Norwegian jazz adventure continues” (Dagens Næringsliv), and “A vision of truth and beauty” (HIFI+). Other critics have highlighted the singular quality of his expression: “A master of balance. His music dares to be romantic in the expressive sense of the word, without ever drifting towards pop ballads” (Morgenbladet), and “Brilliantly arranged intimacy and reflection” (Citizen Jazz). Several have also pointed to the emotional immediacy of the music: “Unbelievably beautiful” (Deichman) and “music that goes straight to the heart and soul” (Salt Peanuts). As Arild R. Andersen wrote in Jazz i Norge: “His improvisational detours bring tension and vitality to the compositional lines. The effortless flow of his playing makes the music feel whole.”

Born in 1991, Kjetil Mulelid is one of the most active and distinctive pianists on the Norwegian jazz scene today. His musical expression brings together jazz, classical music, hymn traditions and improvisation, both in his playing and compositions. Since graduating from the Jazz Programme in Trondheim in 2014, he has toured extensively throughout Europe, North America and Asia with his various projects. He has released more than twenty critically acclaimed albums as a solo artist, bandleader and collaborator. His many active projects include Kjetil Mulelid Trio, Agoja, the jazz quartets Wako and Beiggja, as well as collaborations with vocalist Siril Malmedal Hauge. He has also worked with a number of acclaimed artists, including Arve Henriksen, Mathias Eick, Kika Sprangers, Trygve Seim and Sissel Vera Pettersen.