Haakon B. Hjelde & Slemdal Big Band to China

October 2024, we are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations between Norway and China with Haakon B. Hjelde, former Norwegian ambassador to China, in this unique journey to Beijing with the “Slemdal Storband” orchestra where Haakon is playing together with 19 other enthusiastic musicians from Oslo. With this visit to China, the aim is to celebrate friendship and the tireless contribution for relations building and China-Norwegian cooperation by so many dedicated individuals. Haakon Hjelde was the Norwegian Ambassador to China from 1999 to 2004 and leader of the Norwegian delegation to China for the first round of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement.

In Beijing, Haakon became known as the “Musical Ambassador” with his many performances on his clarinet and saxophone. As a career diplomat and now retiree he has continued his involvement in cultivating relationship between Norway and China. For the occassion the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) is hosting Slemdal Storband to China for a 7 day program giving concert performances in both Xi’An capital of Shaanxi Provence followed by a program in Beijing that includes a China Norway 70 years reception and galla concert at the CPAFFC Peace Palace.

The Slemdal Big Band

The SBB is an Oslo-based Norwegian musical ensemble of jazz music that includes 20 musicians consisting of four sections: saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and rhythm section (base, guitar, percussion and keyboard) and a vocalist.  SBB consists of amateur musicians from all walks of life and performs for all types of occasions and audiences. SBB has recruited a professional musical director -conductor and developed into one of Norway’s most profiled and active Big Bands.

The music genre is mostly Classical Jazz that includes different themes within jazz. Eg: Duke Ellington, Latin music, Frank Sinatra. However, SBB has a broad spectre in its repertoire including traditional Norwegian compositions. The band often plays with choirs and vocalists often in the many beautiful churches of Norway. For this occasion the band will have it own repertoire and perform with local Chinese musicians.

To support the Band in covering their international flight tickets, the musical creative production and some administrative costs, you may donate to our project crowd funding campaign. Our funding goal is NOK 250 000. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and contribution to the event.

See Information flyer for sponsors in link here.