Orkester 20:20 | Music by Chris Johnson
Awakenings is the debut album from Orkester 20:20, a 20-piece modern Sinfonietta based in Vestfold, Norway. Blending jazz, funk, classical, and cinematic influences, composer and artistic director Chris Johnson crafts a new musical language that’s rhythmically vibrant and structurally rich.
Recorded live in Sandefjord, the album features seven original tracks and a bold reimagining of Ariana Grande’s ‘Side to Side,’ featuring guest vocalist Trine Kjølstad. The ensemble includes notable soloists such as Hans Mathisen (guitar), Andreas Bye (drums), and André Kassen (saxophone).
About Orkester 20:20
Orkester 20:20 is Norway’s first professional ensemble dedicated to modern rhythmic orchestral music. The group unites musicians from jazz, classical, and contemporary popular traditions. With a mission to reshape the role of the orchestra for today’s audiences, O20:20 performs music that bridges styles and reflects how we truly listen — in layered, cross-genre soundscapes.
This ensemble of top-tier professionals also contributes significantly to Vestfold’s cultural life through education, collaboration, and original commissions.
About Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson is a British-born, Norway-based composer, arranger, conductor, and educator. A member of the Norwegian Composers Society since 2013, his work spans orchestral, choral, and popular styles. His arrangements have been performed by José Carreras, Maria Mena, and others, and his work has been broadcast on Norwegian TV. Chris is committed to increasing access to new music and has developed curriculum and community programs across Norway, and the UK.
“Awakenings is a melodic, cinematic, beat-driven album drawing from jazz, soul, classical and pop. It’s beautiful, playful, bold when it needs to be, and always melodic. An album to listen to not just in the morning- but all day, and all night too.”
Musicians featured on the recording:
Anders Gleditch- Piano/ Organ, Andreas Bye- Drum kit, Hans Mathisen- Guitar, Kristian Grude- Bass, Helge Christiansen- Percussion, Hoang Uy- Keyboards, André Kassen- Saxophones, Ane Pedersen- Clarinet 2/Bb & Bass Clarinet, Silje Mikkelsen- Flute/ Piccolo, Øystein Trollsås- Saxophones & Bass Clarinet, Øyvind Nystad- Bb Clarinet 1, Alto Saxophone , Helge Grinde & Petter Hole- Trumpet/ Flugelhorn, Magnus Murphy Joelson & Knut Erik Rusten- Trombone, Bendik Engebretsen Kløvendal & Julian Saxl- Violin, Kristine Emilie Krüger & Krzysztof Krol- Viola, Julian Cash & Elin Hoffart- Cello
Release Details
Release Date: 14 June 2025
Available on all major streaming platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, etc.
You can preview three tracks below via private streaming links:
Artwork, and full album available on request.
