FELIX PEIKLI – Short Biography
«A star, basically» Ben Ratliff, New York Times
Born in Oslo, Norway, Felix was introduced to music through the local marching band at
the age of eight. After discovering his love and passion for music, Felix received a Benny
Goodman recording from his grandfather, sparking a burst of what would become a life
long dedication and devotion to the American art form, Jazz.
At his first official appearance he entertained the His Majesty, the King & Queen of Norway
at the age of twelve. Despite his young age, Felix was granted numerous awards and
distinctions for his dedication and contribution to the clarinet and music; to name a few –
the Capitol of Norway’s Arts Prize (as youngest recipient to date), the Scandinavian Arts
Award by the American-Scandinavian Society, and full tuition scholarship to the prestigious
institution Berklee College of Music, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Music
Performance (2012). After moving to New York, Felix has collaborated and performed with
notable artists worldwide; such as – Wayne Shorter, Chucho Valdez, Harry Belafonte,
Alexander Rybak, Mike Massy, Stefon Harris, Ralph Peterson jr., and Marcus Miller, the
latter whom was featured on Felix’ critically acclaimed debut album “Royal Flush” (2014).
Later releases includes «It’s Showtime!» (2016) and «It’s Showtime! Live» (2017)
Performances at famous venues, concert halls, and festivals, includes San Francisco Jazz
Fest, Oslo Jazzfestival, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Jacksonville Jazzfestival, Jazz at
Lincoln Center, the NAMM Show, Maison de la Radio, Esplanade, to name a few. Through
worldwide appearances as a bandleader and soloist, Felix is on a constant mission to
spread joy, inspiration, and quality entertainment with his clarinet. Felix 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 of the world.
Felix is the artistic director of the Norwegian Jazz Orchestra, and is the music curator for
Gustav Jazzclub | Hotel Amerikalinjen in Oslo. He is also the founder and CEO of Jazz
Music Norway producing more than 200 live shows yearly, including Karpedammen Festival
and several successful concert series.