Magnus Bakken

Magnus Bakken (born 1991) is a Norwegian jazz saxophonist and composer, born in Lillehammer.^[1][2] He has studied at Berklee College of Music and is known for his solo career as well as various band collaborations.^[3][4]

Born (1991-11-04) 4 November 1991 (age 34)

Lillehammer

OriginNorway

OccupationsPerforming artist and composer

InstrumentSaxophone

Quick facts Background information, Born ...

Magnus Bakken
Magnus Bakken performing at Herr Nilsen, Oslo 2024 Photo: Tore Sætre
Background information
Born	(1991-11-04) 4 November 1991 (age 34) Lillehammer
Origin	Norway
Occupations	Performing artist and composer
Instrument	Saxophone
Labels	AMP Music & Records
Website	magnusbakken.com

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In 2009, at the age of 17, he reached the finals of Toneprisen, a competition for young solo musicians aged 16–23 from the counties of Hedmark and Oppland. The finalists competed for a prize pool of NOK 120,000 and an opportunity to perform with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra.^[5] In the final—where he was the only contestant not playing a classical piece—he finished in second place and won the audience vote.^[6] The competition was organized by NRK in collaboration with Eidsiva Energi and Toneheim Folk High School.^[7]

Bakken has led his own Magnus Bakken Quartet, featuring Christian Meaas Svendsen (bass), Jon Audun Baar (drums), and Jørn Øien (piano). He has also been a member of Ninjabeat and Nordic Circles.^[4]

Since 2021, he has been a member of bassist Ellen Brekken’s quartet, A Tonic for the Troops, which also includes Espen Berg (piano) and Magnus Sefaniassen Eide (drums).^[8]

Bakken was commissioned to write a work for the opening concert of DølaJazz 2022. The participating musicians were Jørn Øien, Bo Berg, Amund Kleppan, and Snorre Bjerck. The music was recorded and released as the album Slackline in 2024.^[9][10]