The ensemble consists of students and staff from the jazz community at the Faculty of Performing Arts, UiS, and has been an important contributor to the cultural life of the region for nearly 20 years. Since the project-based ensemble was founded by Tor Yttredal, it has collaborated with notable artists such as John Scofield, Chris Potter, Marius Neset, Ralph Towner, Richard Bona, Valkyrien Allstars, and, not least, Rolf Lislevand. The latter collaboration is documented in the release "Tourdion" from 2015, arranged by Tore Johansen. The current artistic leader of the ensemble is Simen Kiil Halvorsen.
The Bjergsted Vocal Ensemble is led by Anita Kaasbøll and explores free improvisation and self-arranged music. They play with sounds, grooves, lyrics, and dynamics, creating various musical landscapes using only the voice as an instrument.