NIKOLAJ HESS TRIO

In a virtual performance on Saturday, June 20 by Danish jazz ensemble Nikolaj Hess Trio, pianist and composer Nikolaj Hess performs his own compositions and improvisations with Mikkel Hess on drums and Anders Christensen on bass, as well as include interpretations of the music of Danish composer Carl Nielsen, among others. The performance will also feature Hess’ own musical reflections on and fascination with Danish painter L. A. Ring’s masterworks, exploring the five main themes highlighted in the exhibition On the Edge of the World: Masterworks by Laurits Andersen Ring, accompanied by visuals based on the artworks by renowned film director Andreas Johnsen.

With a Nordic mix of international jazz, European classical music, and Scandinavian folk music, Nikolaj Hess Trio has been described as “the best piano trio in Denmark, and Nikolaj Hess is one of the most inventive jazz pianists working today” in Magnet Magazine. This concert is part of a new collaboration with Hanne Støvring and American Friends of SMK—Impressions of Works—and is connected to Hess’ artistic research study Transformative Reflections, which explores inspiration and translation from visual art to jazz composition and improvisation.