Dølajazzmesse 2026

Nordre Ål Church was built for the Olympics in '94 and served as a gathering point in the Athletes' Village. The church
is well suited for rhythmic music and is known for its varied musical expression.
Festival artist Karl Johan Giskeødegård created the baptismal font. We look forward to holding
the Dølajazz Mass in Nordre Ål Church!

Flowers is Nordre Ål Church's women's choir and is led by cantor Gunnar Melbø. They are a friendly
group and have a varied repertoire.

Gunnar Melbø is a trained cantor and music educator from the NTNU Music Conservatory in
Trondheim and the Grieg Academy in Bergen. He taught at Kongshaug Music High School from
the school's start in 1999 until he became cantor at Fåberg Church in 2017. He has been cantor at Nordre
Ål Church since 2021.
 
Gesellparkens Traditionsensemble  
is a Lillehammer-based jazz group that seeks to use and preserve good popular music
that should not be forgotten. The repertoire is therefore very broad, and includes everything from
trad and swing jazz to The Beatles.   
Everything is arranged in the band's own style and expression, but without losing the identity
and recognizability of the melodies.  
The ensemble originated from the popular Ad Lib stage at Fabrikken in Lillehammer,
where it is often a full house on the first Saturday of every month. After 6 years of operation, the band has become a sought-after ensemble at various events in the region.  
All members of the jazz ensemble have extensive experience as musicians and also play in other orchestras. The band often brings in guest artists when specific gigs make it natural.  
 
The band's performing musicians are:  
Bjørnar Nilsen, trombone/vocals and arrangements 
Erik Sørlien, trumpet/flugelhorn  
Øivind Pedersen, clarinet/tenor saxophone and arrangements 
Bistra van Dijk, piano/vocals  
Sten Celius, guitars  
Anders Fongen, bass 
Geir Wøldike, drums