Swedish jazz artist Elisabeth Melander. — Photo elisabethmelander.com

HÀ NỘI — A concert featuring two Swedish jazz artists – Elisabeth Melander and Lars Andersson – will be held tonight (October 17) at the Việt Nam National Academy of Music (VNAM).

The concert, which is in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and Sweden, is hosted by the Embassy of Sweden in Hà Nội.

For several years, VNAM has collaborated with the Academy of Music in Malmö, especially in their respective jazz programmes. Both Melander and Andersson have engaged in building the jazz department at VNAM and several Vietnamese musicians have been studying in Malmö over the years.

Melander received her degree in classical singing and ensemble at the Swedish Academy of Music in Gothenburg. She also developed her individual musical education with improvisational focus, art music, jazz, composition and rhythm. In 1985, she was employed at the Academy of Music in Malmö where she established the first Swedish vocal education in jazz and rock. Elisabeth is a university lecturer and still teaches singing, ensemble, improvisation and singing methodology at The Academy of Music in Malmö.

Andersson is Director of Education at Lund University’s Faculty of Performing Arts. A professional jazz drummer, alongside touring all over Europe to play at international jazz festivals, he also conducted workshops at several conservatories in Barcelona, Vienna, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Hà Nội. He currently teaches drums and jazz ensemble at the Malmo Academy of Music in Sweden.

The concert, which will take place from 8pm until 10pm, will also feature artists and students from VNAM. Free tickets can be picked up from 7pm tonight at VNAM. The concert is not suitable for children under 10 years old. — VNS