Since 1980, the legendary gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt has been honoured in Norway with a dedicated festival — a tradition that has since been replicated in more than 50 countries. The festival is held at Cosmopolite in Oslo, and in 2026 it will take place from 22 to 24 January.
Master of Ceremonies is, as always, Jon Larsen — founder, curator and long-standing driving force behind the festival.
The festival presents string music, swing, string swing and gypsy jazz, featuring both international guests and leading Norwegian musicians. Audiences can look forward to concerts, jam sessions and tributes to Django’s legacy — in both traditional and innovative forms.
Thursday 22. januar
Hot Club de Norvège (NO) + gjest Lars Frank (NO)
Line up:
Ola Erlien – guitar
Gildas Le Pape – guitar
Finn Hauge – violin and harmonica
Svein Aarbostad – double bass
Hot Club de Norvège is Norway’s most renowned string swing band. Since their formation in 1979, they have captivated audiences with infectious energy and virtuosic string music. The band has a long tradition of inviting guest soloists to the stage — and this time they are joined by the internationally acclaimed clarinettist and saxophonist Lars Frank.
Founder Svein Aarbostad still holds down the bass, while French guitarist Gildas Le Pape — known from the metal band Satyricon — has given the group fresh momentum since joining in 2018. Finn Hauge shines on both violin and harmonica, and young guitarist Ola Erlien has rapidly become one of the most talked-about names on the Norwegian swing scene.
Over the years, Hot Club de Norvège has collaborated with leading figures in the international Django community, and they remain a beloved live favourite — known for vibrant interplay and timeless swing.
Lars Frank is a sought-after clarinettist and saxophonist, educated at the Norwegian Academy of Music. He is a central figure in Norwegian jazz and performs with ensembles such as Jazzombies, Ytre Suløens Jass Ensemble, Lars Frank Quartet and Norwegian Jazz Kings. In 2016, he received the prestigious Kobe Jazz Street Award in Japan.
Graf-Winterstein-Kliphuis Quartet (DE/NL)
Line up:
Gismo Graf – guitar
Brady Winterstein – guitar
Tim Kliphuis – violin
Daniel Gueli – double bass
A powerful quartet bringing together top musicians from Germany and the Netherlands.
Gismo Graf formed his own trio at the age of 18, and has since made his mark with performances across Europe, the USA and Asia. Combining Django’s legacy with elements of pop, bossa nova and classical music, he has developed a soulful and expressive voice on the guitar.
Brady Winterstein comes from a long line of gypsy jazz musicians and brings both virtuosity and a contemporary touch to the tradition. He has played at many of Europe’s leading festivals, including the prestigious Django Reinhardt Festival in Samois-sur-Seine.
Tim Kliphuis is one of the world’s foremost gypsy jazz violinists — known from the Fapy Lafertin Quintet, as well as collaborations with Rosenberg Trio, Angelo Debarre and Samson Schmitt. He has also introduced thousands of string players to the genre through his best-selling Grappelli Gypsy Jazz Violin.
Daniel Gueli became part of the gypsy jazz scene later in his career and quickly gained recognition through groups such as Marcia Bamberg Quartet and Mozes Rosenberg Trio. He has also performed with Paulus Schäfer, Stochelo Rosenberg and Kussi Weiss.
Friday 23. januar
Gustav Skaaret trio ft. Renaud Crols
Line up:
Gustav Skaaret – guitar
Jørgen Vikjord – guitar
Håkon Huldt Nystrøm – bass
Renaud Crols (violin)
Gustav Skaaret has established himself as one of Norway’s most promising young guitarists and a distinctive voice in the Django Reinhardt tradition. In 2024 he performed at the legendary Djangofestival in Fontainebleau and released two albums on Hot Club Records: Gyplicity and Jon Larsen’s – No Man’s Land.
With Jørgen Vikjord and Håkon Huldt Nystrøm, the trio balances modern expression with classic gypsy jazz spirit — playful, virtuosic and full of life.
For this performance they are joined by Belgian violinist Renaud Crols, known for his versatility and collaborations with greats such as Tcha Limberger and Biréli Lagrène.
StradiMarius Quartet (FR)
Line up:
Marius Apostol – violin
Sébastien Giniaux – guitar
Benji Winterstein – rhythm guitar
Jérémie Arranger – double bass
StradiMarius Quartet unites some of Europe’s most exciting voices in gypsy jazz and string swing. Violinist Marius Apostol is known for his expressive, melodic style, while guitarist Sébastien Giniaux brings both Django heritage and modern improvisational language. Together they create a musical landscape full of drive, playfulness and dynamic interplay.
The rhythm section — Benji Winterstein on rhythm guitar and Jérémie Arranger on double bass — provides momentum and depth, with a repertoire that spans Django classics, original compositions and fresh interpretations.
Saturday 24. januar
Sébastien Giniaux & Joris Viquesnel Duo (FR)
Line up:
Sébastien Giniaux – guitar
Joris Viquesnel – guitar
Sébastien Giniaux and Joris Viquesnel met around twenty years ago and have played together ever since. Their shared curiosity allows them to explore a wide spectrum of influences — from Django Reinhardt and Balkan traditions to classical music, chanson and African rhythms.
Their project In The Arms of Windmills is the result of years of collaboration and mutual musical understanding — a poetic and adventurous duo seeking freedom, creativity and sincerity in expression.
Fanou Torracinta Quartet + gjest Fiona Monbet (FR)
Line up:
Fanou Torracinta – guitar
Bastien Brison – piano
Benji Winterstein – rhythm guitar
Édouard Pennes – double bass
Guest: Fiona Monbet – violin
Fanou Torracinta is a virtuoso guitarist from Corsica, deeply rooted in Django’s music and the island’s musical heritage. Together with Édouard Pennes, Benji Winterstein and Bastien Brison, the quartet creates energetic, elegant and passionate gypsy jazz that bridges tradition and modern improvisation.
For this special concert, the ensemble is joined by Belgian violinist Fiona Monbet, adding colour, intensity and imagination to the music. Expect interplay, brilliance and heartfelt swing from start to finish.
Soft Machine is returning to Cosmopolite—a reunion you won't want to miss! After a brilliant concert in Oslo in 2018, the legendary British quartet is back on our intimate stage on Friday, May 16. Whether you remember the band's golden era in the Canterbury scene or are a new listener seeking an encounter with jazz, psychedelia, and free improvisation, this will be an evening full of surprises.
We are excited to welcome Achy Ouafik as our new Communications Manager! Achy joins us from Oslo World, where he was the PR Manager for one of Europe's leading world music festivals.