Hamar, Norway – The future of AnJazz, Hamar Jazzfestival, hangs in the balance as the celebrated Norwegian event faces significant financial challenges. While a scaled-down “mini-festival” is planned for May and a larger autumn festival remains the goal, the organization is actively seeking support to secure its long-term viability.
The festival, which began in 2005, is grappling with economic difficulties following what appears to have been a costly 20th-anniversary celebration. Hilde Høgseth, chair of the AnJazz board, acknowledged the severity of the situation in a recent statement reported by local news outlet Hamar Arbeiderblad. “We are struggling,” she said.
AnJazz’s current strategy involves a phased approach. The immediate focus is on a smaller festival in May, featuring a free concert with Gabriela Garrubo on May 10th. This will be followed by an attempt to stage a full-scale autumn festival in November. The organization is committed to keeping the public informed of its progress.
The festival has already announced several events, including a concert featuring Knut Reiersrud and Iver Kleive in Vang Church on January 17th. The lineup for the May and November festivals is still developing, but currently includes performances by Yilian Cañizares, Ungjazz, Thea & The Wild (performing the music of Lillebjørn Nilsen), SeriousShit, Traktor No. 4, Nils Berg Cinemascope, Maridalen, Lisa Nilsson, Kåre Nymark (with a workshop for young brass players), Kurt Elling, SuperBlue featuring Charlie Hunter, Helge Lien, Espen Berg, Bugge Wesseltoft trio, Bjørn Alterhaug kvartett, Tone Hulbækmo, Arve Henriksen & Eili Bråstad, Silje Nergaard with Orkester Innlandet, and LILJA Extended.
Beyond traditional concerts, AnJazz is also experimenting with unique event formats. “Jazz & Sauna” events, featuring morning concerts in a floating sauna, are scheduled, as are “Jazz & Film” pairings and “Jazz & Cocktail” evenings. A workshop concert with Kåre Nymark and young brass players from the Hamar area is also planned, demonstrating a commitment to community engagement and musical education.
The financial woes of AnJazz come amidst a broader context of challenges facing the live music industry. The recent bankruptcy filing of Music Getaways, a company that organized jazz festivals and other music vacations, serves as a cautionary tale. According to a report by KVOA in Tucson, Arizona, Music Getaways left hundreds of ticket holders without refunds after canceling events due to a dispute with a venue in the Dominican Republic. While seemingly unrelated, the Music Getaways situation underscores the fragility of event-based businesses and the potential for financial disruption.
Helene Eggen was recently appointed as the new festival director for AnJazz, taking the helm as the organization navigates these difficulties. Eggen, who hails from Oslo, is tasked with leading the festival through its 20th-anniversary year, and beyond. Her appointment signals a commitment to continuity and a renewed effort to attract audiences.
A Facebook post from September 16, 2025, explicitly calls for public support, stating, “AnJazz needs your support – together we can secure the future of the festival!” The post highlights the festival’s two decades of providing unique musical experiences in Hamar and emphasizes the importance of community involvement.
Helge Lien, a prominent figure in Norwegian jazz, is contributing a commissioned work to AnJazz. Lien has stated that the piece, titled “Dear Forest,” is inspired by his personal connection to a childhood forest that has since been lost. This commission demonstrates the festival’s commitment to supporting original compositions and fostering artistic expression.
The situation at AnJazz is a reminder of the precarious financial footing of many cultural institutions. The festival’s ability to overcome its current challenges will depend on a combination of fundraising efforts, strategic planning, and continued support from the community and the arts sector. The planned mini-festival in May represents a crucial step in demonstrating the festival’s resilience and its continued relevance to the cultural landscape of Hamar and beyond.
