Last night at Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai, the Norwegian duo of vocalist Siril Malmedal Hauge and pianist Kjetil Mulelid delivered an intimate and finely balanced performance that blended Nordic lyricism with the spirit of jazz standards in their first ever trip to Shanghai.
The evening opened with Siril introducing the first song A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square. Her voice, clear and luminous, carried the poetic sensibility of her homeland, while Mulelid’s piano lines provided a delicate yet dynamic counterpart. Together, they created a sound world that felt at once ethereal and grounded, drawing the audience into their storytelling.
The programme moved seamlessly between songs from their first album, fresh material from their upcoming second release due this autumn, and a scattering of jazz standards reimagined with Nordic restraint and understated elegance. Each performance revealed their unique chemistry—Siril’s phrasing shaded with folk influences, Mulelid’s improvisations rippling with harmonic invention.
Though the duo’s style is rooted in Scandinavian sensibilities, their Shanghai appearance underscored jazz’s global resonance. The set’s variety—originals, new songs, and standards—offered listeners a journey from intimate confessions to expansive improvisational flights. For many in the audience, it was an introduction to two artists who balance respect for tradition with a clear, individual voice.
As the applause filled the hall, it was evident that this performance had not only showcased the duo’s artistry but also strengthened the cultural bridge between Nordic jazz and Shanghai’s vibrant music scene.
