About Us
Swinging Europe is a non-profit organisation based in Herning, Denmark, which has been creating innovative cultural projects with music at the centre since 2010. We work locally, nationally, and internationally with talent development, artistic collaborations, and sustainable touring. Our goal is to break down genre and cultural boundaries, create strong networks, and give young artists the opportunity to unfold their potential.
We believe that art and music are powerful tools for strengthening communities and creating positive change—both in Denmark and across borders. With a particular focus on sustainability, we develop new touring concepts such as Slow Touring and Deep Touring, which rethink the concert experience with consideration for both the artist and the environment.
History & Mission
Who Are We
Swinging Europe was founded in 1996 with the vision of bringing together young musicians from across Europe in innovative music projects. The founders, Birgit Vinge and Erik Moseholm, initiated the project with Brande International Music Workshop (BIMWO)—a gathering of talented young musicians that laid the foundation for what later became the European Jazz Orchestra (EJO). From 1998 to 2013, EJO became an international flagship for jazz, where young musicians were brought together each year in a prestigious big band. The orchestra also collaborated closely with composers and conductors from all over Europe, who contributed new music annually, creating a unique artistic dynamic.
Since 2001, we have focused on developing young musical talent through PLAY!GROUND LIVE and have continued this tradition in new projects.
In 2010, we moved to Herning, where we expanded our artistic and cultural efforts. Today, we work across music genres and art forms with the ambition of creating innovative, inclusive, and sustainable cultural projects.
What Do We Do?
• Talent Development:
We support young artists by providing them with the tools, networks, and experiences that can pave the way for a professional career.
• Social Inclusion:
We promote diversity and community through artistic projects that bring people together across different backgrounds.
• Sustainable Touring:
We develop and test new ways of touring with a focus on reducing carbon footprints, eco-friendly solutions, and local collaborations.
• Interdisciplinary Projects:
We facilitate encounters between musicians, dancers, visual artists, and other creative professionals to create unique artistic experiences.
• International Collaborations:
We build bridges between cultures, bringing musicians together to create new works and exchange ideas.
• Local Engagement & Change:
We involve young people in Herning through art and culture, strengthening community, creativity, and local development.
We are paving new ways for art and culture—with music as the driving force and collaboration as the key.
Slow & Deep Touring
We are rethinking how we tour: With a focus on sustainability and immersion, we create touring formats where artists can engage more deeply with the local communities they visit. By slowing down the pace, we allow space for connections, exchanges, and artistic growth while minimizing our environmental impact.
Youth-to-Youth Exchange
Experience is best shared among those in the process themselves. We facilitate youth-to-youth learning, where artists inspire and support each other through workshops, mentorship programmes, and co-creation. It’s about building strong networks where young talents learn from each other’s journeys and shape the future together.
Artistic Encounters
Music meets dance, visual art, and performing arts in our interdisciplinary projects. We create platforms where art forms merge, and where young artists can push the boundaries of their own expression. The result is unique and innovative experiences that open doors to new artistic dimensions.
Music Production
We provide space for creative exploration, where young musicians can experiment, compose, and produce new music. Our productions prioritize originality and collaboration, supporting both studio-based and live formats, allowing music to evolve in different settings.
Talent Development
We believe in the potential of young artists and give them opportunities to grow both artistically and professionally. Through our projects, young musicians gain access to mentors, networks, and unique platforms where they can develop their artistic identity and take the first steps towards a sustainable career.
Collaborative Projects
Creativity flourishes when people come together. We build bridges between artists, cities, and cultures to create shared experiences that go beyond borders. Our collaborative projects bring musicians, artists, and cultural actors together in dynamic communities where new ideas and artistic expressions emerge.
Who, What & Why?
We create opportunities for artistic development and collaboration, supporting both established and emerging talents. Our goal is to make music accessible to everyone and to build bridges between people through creative interaction.
Listen to what our former board members have said about our work, projects, and impact—on a local, regional, and international European level:
Our Team
Behind our projects is a passionate team of dedicated professionals who are committed to helping young people unfold their musical and creative potential. Swinging Europe consists of employees who each contribute unique skills and perspectives. At our office, we focus on project management, talent development, and international collaborations, while our network of instructors and musical mentors bring their artistic experience and expertise directly into the projects.
Together, we create an inspiring environment where young talents can grow—both musically and personally—where creativity, community, and innovation go hand in hand.
Anne Sophie Parsons
Project Manager & Fundraiser
Email: annesophie@swinging-europe.dk
Telefon: +45 2090 3015
Board
Brian Nygaard Bruhn
Bestyrelsesleder
Deeply committed to creating greater understanding between people - for example by bringing artists together across national borders and genres.
Gitte Hornshøj
Bestyrelsesmedlem
Gitte Hornshøj, speaker and author.
My interests, besides music, include politics, art, our local community and board work. Above all, I am simply curious about the people around me.
Sara Dommergaard Thomassen
Bestyrelsesmedlem
Upper secondary school teacher at Herning Gymnasium, teaching Music and Danish.
Educated at Aarhus University in Musicology and Nordic Language and Literature.
Morten Petersen
Bestyrelsesmedlem
I work to build strong communities and to make sure that good ideas are turned into action.
Line Thuesen
Bestyrelsesmedlem
Head of Culture and Communications at Højhuset Kulturhotel.
I work to create spaces where people can meet and connect through art, culture, history and architecture.
Julius Severin Høj Pedersen
Bestyrelsesmedlem
Performing musician from Herning.
Music is a major part of my life, and today I primarily work and perform in East Africa, where I also teach at a folk high school. I am passionate about developing projects and creating music across cultures.
Hvem, hvad & hvorfor?
Vi skaber muligheder for kunstnerisk udvikling og samarbejde, og støtter både etablerede og nye talenter. Vores mål er at gøre musik tilgængelig for alle og bygge bro mellem mennesker gennem kreativt samspil.
Lyt til hvad vores tidligere bestyrelsesmedlemmere har udtalt omkring vores arbejde, projekter og resultater - på lokalt, regionalt og internationalt europæisk plan: