Felix Peikli

Born in Oslo, Norway, Felix Peikli was introduced to music through a local marching band at the age of eight. His passion for music was ignited when his grandfather gave him a Benny Goodman recording, leading to a lifelong dedication to jazz.

At twelve, Felix made his first official appearance, entertaining the King and Queen of Norway. Despite his young age, he received numerous awards for his contributions to music, including the Capital of Norway’s Arts Prize (as the youngest recipient to date), the Scandinavian Arts Award by the American-Scandinavian Society, and a full tuition scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance in 2012.

After moving to New York, Felix collaborated and performed with notable artists worldwide, such as Wayne Shorter, Chucho Valdés, Harry Belafonte, Alexander Rybak, Mike Massy, Stefon Harris, Ralph Peterson Jr., and Marcus Miller, who was featured on Felix’s critically acclaimed debut album, "Royal Flush" (2014). Subsequent releases include "It’s Showtime!" (2016) and "It’s Showtime! Live" (2017).

Felix has performed at renowned venues and festivals, including San Francisco Jazz Fest, Oslo Jazzfestival, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the NAMM Show, Maison de la Radio, and Esplanade. As a bandleader and soloist, he is on a mission to spread joy, inspiration, and quality entertainment with his clarinet. He has hosted numerous charitable performances in collaboration with UNICEF and serves as an ambassador and board member for Playing for a Future, bringing music education and instruments to children in impoverished regions.

Felix is the artistic director of the Norwegian Jazz Orchestra and the music curator for Club Gustav at Hotel Amerikalinjen downtown Oslo. He is also the founder and CEO of Jazz Music Norway, hosting more than 200 live shows annually, including the Karpedammen Festival and several successful concert series.

Photo: Joakim Lied Haga