EDVARD: Here are the nominees in the Contemporary category

Olav Berg, Bente Leiknes Thorsen and Helge Iberg are the nominees for the 2016 EDVARD Prize in the Contemporary category.

This year, the EDVARD jury has decided to nominate three authors in each of the five EDVARD categories: Contemporary, Text, Open Class, Popular and Challenger. The winners in the different categories will be announced in late summer and autumn 2016. We will announce the nominees in the different categories in the coming weeks.

Here are the nominees in the Contemporary category:

Bente Leiknes Thorsen for «At the tips of my fingers / on the tip of my tongue».

- This work was in many ways a struggle to write, which is why it is extra gratifying when others appreciate it! I am deeply indebted to Ellen Ugelvik who not only commissioned it, but who was also a collaborator along the way – and not least, who finally interpreted the work better than I could have dreamed of. Finally, I must mention my two wonderful sons, without whom neither life nor (this) music would have been the same, says Bente.

Olav Berg for "Concerto for Viola".

– This was an exceptionally pleasant message to receive! I am proud, happy and not least surprised to be nominated for this prestigious award, he says.

Helge Iberg for "Quartet for life in its extraordinaryness".

– Very nice to be noticed! The Edvard Prize is, in my opinion, the most important recognition for musicians. Especially now that the Spellemann Prize has emphatically distinguished itself primarily as a media event. “Quartet for Life in Its Extraordinaryness” was commissioned by Hans Christian Bræin and premiered at the Oslo Chamber Music Festival by first-class musicians: Hans Christian clarinet, Geir Inge Lotsberg – violin, Øystein Birkeland – cello and Ingfrid Breie Nyhus – piano, says Helge.