When Summer Session takes place at the beginning of August, it will be the final edition with pianist Nikolaj Hess as artistic director. Hess took over the role in 2013 following guitarist Jakob Bro who held the position for two years. Before him bass player Lennart Ginman had the role for more than 20 years. He has since 2013 led the event in close collaboration with Mikkel Hess and Anders “AC” Christensen.

Starting in 2026, the artistic leadership of Summer Session will be handed over to drummer and composer Cornelia Nilsson and tenor saxophonist and composer Jakob Dinesen. The two new artistic directors will take on the role for a two-year term and will both be present at this year’s event.

Inspiration, Love, and Better Music

Both Nilsson and Dinesen are seasoned Summer Session participants and bring with them a wealth of experience, along with many dreams and visions for what the event should become over the next two years. Cornelia Nilsson says:

“I’m looking forward to dreaming big and becoming part of this legendary puzzle—seeing participants meet their heroes and be filled with inspiration and love. I’m excited to help build on a festival that opens the wildest of doors, just as it once did for me.”

Jakob Dinesen also shares his deep thoughts on the purpose of this long-standing event:

“I’ve always loved Summer Session for bringing together so many creative musicians around something greater than money. I carry with me countless moods, memories, and images from it that continue to inspire me—musically, personally, and spiritually.

My vision for Summer Session is to bring in educators from the USA, Africa, Cuba, the East, and Europe—people who can offer deeper insight, wisdom, and inspiration so we can become freer and create better music.”

A Big Thank You to Nikolaj Hess for Many Years of Dedication

JazzDanmark would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Nikolaj Hess for his many years of outstanding work with Summer Session. Hess has left a strong mark on the event, which has consistently maintained a high artistic standard and a unique atmosphere of freedom and creativity. We would also like to thank Mikkel Hess and Anders “AC” Christensen, who have likewise made major contributions to the event over the years.
We now look forward to seeing what new dimensions Cornelia Nilsson and Jakob Dinesen will add to the story of the Nordic region’s most prominent gathering for professional jazz musicians.

Nikolaj Hess shares this message: “For some years now, we’ve been talking about how it was soon time to pass on this golden, unique, fantastic, super-inspiring, and intense jazz gathering to new ideas and perspectives. We offer our deepest thanks for the incredibly beautiful musical experiences we’ve shared—and perhaps we’ll see each other again. Warmest regards—also on behalf of AC and Mikkel—and viva Vallekilde Krogerup Summer Session Jazz Workshop. Nikolaj Hess”

Summer Session 2025 will take place from August 3–9 at Krogerup Højskole, with support from The Danish Arts Foundation, Augustinus Foundation, Beckett Foundation, KODA Culture, Toyota Foundation, Goethe-Institut, and the Adam Mickiewicz Institute.