Bo Stief Quintet - Celebrating 80

The legendary bassist Bo Stief, who throughout his career has collaborated with world jazz icons such as Dexter Gordon and Miles Davis, celebrates his 80th birthday with two special concerts on October 15, 2026. For the occasion, Bo has assembled a young "music orchestra" with four talented musicians, all of whom he has mentored over the years.

Bo Stief began his musical career at age 17 at Jazzhus Montmartre and has since established himself as one of Denmark's most influential musicians. His collaboration with trumpeter Palle Mikkelborg in the group Riel-Mikkelborg Quintet became a milestone when they triumphed at Montreux and Newport Jazz Festival in 1968. Later, Bo formed Entrance (1976–1985), whose three best-selling and acclaimed LPs were called Europe's answer to Weather Report. Internationally, he is especially known for his work on Miles Davis' Grammy-winning album "Aura" and has contributed to hundreds of other recordings. Beyond his artistic work, Bo has dedicated himself to developing new talent – he has taught at all Danish conservatories and has been the driving force behind the annual Playground Live initiative, which has inspired an entire generation of young musicians.

For the jubilee concerts, Bo brings a music orchestra whose members represent a new generation of creative voices. The orchestra is characterized by unusual instrumentation – double bass, cello, guitar and trumpet – and a genre-independent approach that blends jazz, classical music, rock, pop and folk music. Bo calls it a "love letter to the future" and their music "now-music that is spontaneous, wild, poetic and boundary-breaking".

Performing Musicians

• Bo Stief – double bass
• Mathæus Bech – bass. Mentored by Bo since age 15, Bech is a graduate of Rytmekons and the Royal Danish Academy of Music. He has performed with Guldimund and is half of the duo Dybfølt.
• Kirstine Elise Pedersen – cello. The other half of Dybfølt, known for original compositions and innovative interpretation between classical and folk music. Won DR's P2 Prize in 2024.
• Rasmus Mikkelsen – trumpet. Participated in Playground Live in 2019 and is today a sought-after voice across the jazz and rock scene.
• Mads Nørgaard – guitar. Acclaimed jazz guitarist in the group The Orgelheimers and central figure in the genre-crossing alt-pop project Lucky Lo, which has performed at Roskilde Festival.

Venue: Jazzhus Montmartre | Date: October 15, 2026 – two concerts | Tickets: See website for price and booking.