From 2003 to 2009, the Czech musician Oldo Lubich brought a lot of vigour to the band as bandleader, arranger and pianist. His ideas led to lasting developments. The full range of musical possibilities was regularly presented at numerous performances.

Highlights included several collaborations with the Czech “String Orchestra Studio Brno”, appearances at the “Jazz over Villach” festival, the performance of “Missa Jazz” by and with Jaromir Hnilicka (CZ), collaborations with artists of various genres and several CD productions.

The kelagBIGband, an ensemble of oPop – Musik in Kärnten, is a musical ambassador of the Kelag Group and has been an integral part of the Austrian music scene since 2001. Experienced musicians, regular rehearsals, professional organisation and competent management are the basis for the high standard and independent sound of the kelagBIGband.
An annual fixture is the Christmas concert “Swinging Christmas” with international star guests at the Congress Centre Villach, which is always sold out.

Hans Lassnig took over the musical direction of the kelagBIGband in 2009. The internationally experienced bandleader, trumpeter, composer and arranger leads the ensemble into a modern-sounding big band.

Under the musical direction of Hans Lassnig-Walder, the company has since worked with many national artists and international stars:

Another important part of the kelagBIGband’s concert activities is the collaboration with young local artists.

The kelagBIGband’s current CD is entitled “hausgemacht vol. 1” and presents music by young Carinthian singers/songwriters wrapped in a poppy/jazzy big band sound.