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.
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.
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:
Email: jacob@swinging-europe.dk
Phone: +45 2554 2030
LinkedIn: View profile
Email: steen@swinging-europe.dk
Phone: +45 8151 0787
LinkedIn: View profile
Email: annesophie@swinging-europe.dk
Phone: +45 2090 3015
LinkedIn: View profile
Cultural organiser at Herning Libraries, former venue manager, and general culture enthusiast.
Cand.musicae. Musician, project coordinator at Grobund Bandakademi, and educator at MGK-Ø and the Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus.
High school teacher at Herning Gymnasium in music and Danish, educated in musicology and Nordic literature.
Political Positions of Trust:
Other Positions of Trust:
Gitte Hornshøj, speaker and author. We are a musical family. Music and singing have always been a big part of our lives. Jazz has not been the most dominant genre, but our musical curiosity is strong. When it comes to jazz music, I mostly listen to what I would define as "happy jazz." However, I am open to all genres. Above all, I contribute with great enthusiasm and a passion for communication. In this context, my focus is on spreading awareness of Swinging Europe.
Jonas Hoffmann Buelund is a 28-year-old producer, artist, and entrepreneur in the music industry. He is a self-taught pianist and has developed his own approach to music over the years, often experimenting with jazz chords and different soundscapes. As a teenager, Jonas became interested in music production, and he has since focused on creating instrumental beats. Through social media platforms like Instagram, he has collaborated with artists from different parts of the world and built a diverse musical network under the name Hoffy Beats.
In 2022, Jonas launched a project under his own name, releasing instrumental piano compositions aimed at creating a sense of calm and relaxation for listeners. His music has been streamed over 200 million times worldwide.
Beyond his musical career, Jonas also gives talks about his journey in music and creativity. He shares insights and experiences in music production and engages audiences through presentations and interactive sessions.
At Swinging Europe, sustainability, talent development, and artistic innovation are at the core of our work. We believe that music and art can create positive change—for both people and society. Through our projects, we work to promote creativity, community, and a more sustainable cultural sector.
Do you have questions, want to collaborate, or wish to learn more about our initiatives? Don’t hesitate to contact us—we look forward to hearing from you!
Nørregade 7D, 7400 Herning Denmark
At Swinging Europe, sustainability, talent development, and artistic innovation are at the core of our work. We believe that music and art can create positive change—for both people and society. Through our projects, we work to promote creativity, community, and a more sustainable cultural sector.
Do you have questions, want to collaborate, or wish to learn more about our initiatives? Don’t hesitate to contact us—we look forward to hearing from you!
jazz@swinging-europe.dk Nørregade 7D, 7400 Herning Denmark
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