Kind of Jazz I – Sweden Loves Italy

Led by pianist Jan Lundgren, Kind of Jazz has become something of an institution on Stockholm’s jazz scene. Now in its ninth season, this spring tradition presents three new concerts in Grünewald Hall – three distinct musical encounters in which Lundgren brings together musicians from different backgrounds and generations.

Sweden Loves Italy. Indeed, perhaps we could go further and speak of a long-standing, mutual love affair marked by fascination, contrasts and cultural exchange. This love affair now finds expression through jazz, in an encounter between two Swedish and two Italian musicians: the well-established duo Jan Lundgren and Hans Backenroth, joined by Rosario Giuliani and Roberto Gatto – two of Italy’s finest musicians, both with impressive careers to their names.

“We played together at the Ystad Jazz Festival in the summer of 2026, for the first and so far only time. The saxophonist Rosario Giuliani and I toured Japan together some years ago. We really connected, and in a way that planted the seed for our later collaboration. Every country has its own jazz tradition, and Italy’s is particularly strong – stronger than many people realise.”

The repertoire will reflect a mutual exchange, featuring original compositions from both Sweden and Italy, as well as fresh interpretations of familiar film music by Nino Rota and Ennio Morricone. “It was a magical concert,” says Jan Lundgren, recalling their previous collaboration at the Ystad Jazz Festival, where Lundgren also serves as artistic director.

Jan Lundgren is one of the Nordic region’s most highly regarded jazz pianists. With more than 50 albums to his name and an international career distinguished by remarkable stylistic versatility, he combines tradition and innovation with effortless elegance.

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Buy all three concerts (20 January, 5 March and 23 April) as a package and get a 20 percent discount (opens in a new window)