NyNorsk Messingkvintett (NyNorsk Brass Quintet) commissioned a work from me in 2023. This marked the beginning of a new cooperation and a new palette for me both as a musician and a composer. The result, ‘Valfart’, with lyrics by the NyNorsk Brass Quintet commissioned a work from me in 2023. This marked the start of a new collaboration and a fresh palette for me both as a musician and a composer.
The result, ‘Valfart’, with lyrics by the esteemed poet Kjartan Fløgstad, was premiered at the Tonehimmel festival in Volda in June 2023. The three movements, ‘Matrosane på St. Mauritius’, ‘Under granene’, and ‘Den siste dagen!’, engage with Fløgstad’s words and stories, ranging from cold despair dying under northern lights to the embrace of life before the last day.
The crisp and airy sound of the Hardanger fiddle blends with the warm brass tones in a unique and fresh soundscape.
In 2026-2027, we will be collaborating with violinist Harpreet Bansal to create an album together on the label LAWO Classic and to compose new works for all seven of us. My commissioned piece for this ensemble is called ‘Morgonar’ (‘Mornings’) and explores the moods and reflections that arise at this time of day. It will draw inspiration from both Norwegian traditional music and Indian classical music.
