Only the best musicians in Europe are selected to play with the European Jazz Orchestra. The musicians must be between 18 – 30 years old.

They create contemporary jazz music and this year the Swedish composer Ann-Sofi Söderqvist emphasizes the abilities of the human voice – which has become kind of a trademark of hers.

The European Jazz Orchestra 2013 only exists for one year and when they go on tour it will be your only opportunity to experience the orchestra live.

The last concert in Stockholm will be recorded and made available for radio stations all over Europe. A CD will be released as well.

Ann-Sofi Söderqvist

The Swedish musician and composer Ann-Sofi Söderqvist creates music with a very strong identity. She has worked with jazz, symphonic music, pieces for choir, theatre and music for smaller ensembles as well as for big bands.

Her material is known for its intensity and large emotional range and Ann-Sofi Söderqvist has made a name for herself with both large audiences and professional critics.

As a trumpet player she has worked with the most beloved artists in Sweden. The same is to be said about her work as an arranger. All through her carrier she has crossed genres both back and forth and today she benefits from this when working with her own orchestra: ASJO – Ann-Sofi Söderqvist Jazz Orchestra.

This year Ann-Sofi Söderqvist composes for European Jazz Orchestra and she will be conducting the musicians on tour and brings back original music to European venues.

Ann-Sofi Söderqvist has received awards both as a musician and as a composer. She teaches composition, music arranging and ensemble leadership skills at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. She is also the artistic director for Jazzverk, an international composer’s competition.

Ann-Sofi Söderqvist is the first female composer for European Jazz Orchestra.