Håkon Kornstad

Håkon Kornstad is an award winning Norwegian saxophonist, recognised by jazz critics around the world. In 2009 he discovered that he also has a remarkable tenor voice, and he finished a master’s degree at the Norwegian Opera Academy in 2014. He is now dividing his time between two almost contrasting musical genres — and is combining them in an unprecedented way. 

“The Norwegian saxophonist and singer turned what could have been a circus act into a musical tour de force”  
★★★★ The Guardian (UK) 

2018 will see some new collaborations. He will be soloist with Grex Vocalis in Oslo and the WDR Funkhausorchester in Cologne in April, the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra (chamber series, together with pianist and arranger Erlend Skomsvoll) in June, and Ensemble Allegria and Skomsvoll at the Kongsberg Jazz Festival in July. He will also visit MaiJazz Festival in Stavanger with his Kornstad Ensemble in May. 

Kornstad is performing his critically acclaimed solo saxophone concerts at chamber music festivals and jazz festivals alike, and he also has an exciting new trio, featuring longtime companion Mats Eilertsen on double bass, and Frode Haltli on accordion. 

“[He] miraculously drew together the worlds of opera arias and jazz expression, a rare feat of a jazz-ical crossover venture with artistic integrity and heart intact.”  
Downbeat (US) 

“He is balancing these different elements in a way that only artists with a rare musical insight are able to do.” 
★★★★★ Adresseavisen (NO)