In the spring, JazzDanmark issued an open call for the new project Freundschaft. Based on this, we now present the first three ensembles that will be part of a two-year career-advancing program focused on Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Three more will be announced later.

The first participants in the Freundschaft project are Makiko Hirabayashi, Marcela Lucatelli Necromancy, and Svaneborg Kardyb.

Tailored effort based on previous experience

The goal of Freundschaft is to strengthen the selected participants’ presence and career opportunities in these three countries, based on their own visions and plans. Since 2013, JazzDanmark has focused on Germany through the Danish Vibes and Neustart projects. Freundschaft builds on the experiences gained from these initiatives and expands the focus to include Austria and Switzerland. The second round of Freundschaft will be launched with an open call in late 2024/early 2025.

Renowned pianist, etreme vocal trio, and groovy Scandinavian jazz

The participants have been selected by an international panel consisting of 4-5 industry professionals (bookers, media representatives, etc.) from the respective countries, along with a representative from JazzDanmark’s secretariat. The three participants each represent Danish jazz in 2024 across geography, subgenre, and experience. Read the presentations of the participants below.

Makiko Hirabayashi

The Japan-born pianist Makiko Hirabayashi, based in Denmark, is internationally recognized for her lyrical playing and musical language. Hirabayashi’s trio, featuring Marilyn Mazur and Klavs Hovmand, has a long list of releases, most recently *Meteora*, which was included in *Downbeat Magazine*’s “Best Albums of 2023.” The trio has toured extensively across Europe and Asia, developing a unique and vibrant sound universe.

Marcela Lucatelli Necromancy

The DMA Award-winning vocal trio Necromancy is a radical fusion between composers and musicians Lars Bech Pilgaard, Anders Vestergaard, and Marcela Lucatelli. Using drums, guitar, effects, and extreme vocals, they create a tunnel between Western and Afro-Brazilian perspectives on death, delivering a groovy rollercoaster ride of noise, goth, and horror. Marcela Lucatelli Necromancy has already been booked for the Saalfelden Jazz Festival based on their participation in Freundschaft.

Svaneborg Kardyb

The duo Svaneborg Kardyb excels in crisp Scandinavian jazz and minimalist grooves beautifully blended. With influences from Nils Frahm, Esbjörn Svensson, and Jan Johansson, their music is a delightful fusion of organic interplay, electronic vibes, and Nordic atmosphere. Svaneborg Kardyb has toured extensively and will release their fourth album through the British label Gondwana Records in the fall of 2024.