Djangofestivalen 2026

Djangofestivalen 2026
Cosmopolite, Oslo · 22–24 January

Every year since 1980, the gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt has been honoured in Norway with a dedicated festival — a tradition that has since been adopted in more than 50 countries. The festival takes place at Cosmopolite in Oslo, and in 2026 it returns from 22 to 24 January.

As always, the evening’s host will be Jon Larsen, the festival’s founder and longtime driving force.

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 heartfelt tributes to Django’s legacy, in both traditional and innovative forms.

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 an original voice in the Django Reinhardt tradition. In 2024, he performed at the legendary Django Festival in Fontainebleau and released two albums on Hot Club Records: Gyplicity and Jon Larsen’s – No Man’s Land.

He is joined by a strong rhythm section: Jørgen Vikjord (guitar) and Håkon Huldt Nystrøm (bass). Together, the trio creates a sound that elegantly balances modern expression with classic gypsy jazz — always playful, virtuosic and full of energy.

For this concert, they are joined by Belgian violinist Renaud Crols, known for his stylistic versatility and collaborations with major figures such as Tcha Limberger and Biréli Lagrène. A complete musician with a rare ability to master both tradition and innovation.

StradiMarius Quartet (FR)

Line-up:
Marius Apostol – violin
Sébastien Giniaux – guitar
Benji Winterstein – rhythm guitar
Jérémie Arranger – double bass

StradiMarius Quartet brings together some of Europe’s most exciting musicians within gypsy jazz and string swing. Violinist Marius Apostol has earned recognition for his expressive playing, combining technical virtuosity with strong melodic lines, while guitarist Sébastien Giniaux contributes both Django-inspired tradition and modern improvisational elements. Together they create a vibrant musical landscape full of energy, playfulness and dynamic interaction.

The rhythm section — Benji Winterstein on rhythm guitar and Jérémie Arranger on double bass — anchors the ensemble with drive and depth, giving the music both pulse and warmth. Their repertoire ranges from classic Django compositions to original works and fresh reinterpretations of well-known gypsy jazz pieces.

The result is a concert experience that is virtuosic, spirited and melodically rich — where every musical phrase carries a sense of joy, creativity and deep musical connection. Perfect for both connoisseurs and newcomers to the genre.