TONO supports the search for "the new Grieg"

The Norwegian Composers' Association is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and on this occasion, TONO supports the project "Kupp" because it will contribute to increased attention to the composition of contemporary and art music.

  / 25/10/2017 /
The Norwegian Composers' Association is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and on this occasion, TONO supports the project "Kupp" because it will contribute to increased attention to the composition of contemporary and art music.

Photo above: Conductor of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra Roger Olstad, Therese B. Ulvo and Chairman of the Norwegian Composers' Association, Jørgen Karlstrøm. (Photo: Lars Igesund/NKF)

– TONO was started by the Norwegian Composers' Association in 1928, and it is therefore very natural for us to thank the Norwegian Composers' Association for their work over 100 years by giving the association a gift. We believe that the best gift is to invest in the Kupp project because, by highlighting a group of young composers in close collaboration with some of the country's leading orchestras, it will contribute to creating increased awareness of composers' work and importance to society, says Cato Strøm, CEO of TONO.

The gift was announced by TONO's chairwoman Ingrid Kindem at the press conference for Kupp, which was held on the founding date of the Norwegian Composers' Association, October 24, at Hotel Continental, which also has the same address as where the composers' association was founded in 1917. At that time, the Brødrene Hals Piano Factory and concert hall were located here.

TONO Chairwoman, Ingrid Kindem, announced TONO's support for "Coup" at the press conference on October 24th.

Six young composers
KUPP is a development and networking program for young, promising composers under the age of 35. Six orchestras from all over Norway are participating in the program, each of which chooses one composer from whom they commit to commissioning a completely new work. The ambition is that the works will reach a large audience, and bring new Norwegian composer talents to an international market. During the press launch, the whole thing was emphasized by the desire to find "the new Grieg".

Norway has a long and strong tradition of composition, and Norwegian composers are performed by orchestras and ensembles all over the world. To continue this musical legacy, today's young composers need an international network to get their music out. This is a demanding and difficult market to navigate, and industry development is therefore a big part of KUPP. During 2018, the six young composers will be taken to some of the most important arenas for classical music at home and abroad, such as the Bergen International Festival, the Ultima Festival in Oslo and Classical Next in Rotterdam.

Therese B. Ulvo is the first name announced in the Kupp program. As part of the program, she will compose a piece to be performed by the Oslo Philharmonic. Here she is interviewed by Music Norway's Einar Eidsvåg at the press conference.

Therese B. Ulvo is the first selected composer
The first composer selected for the program is the up-and-coming Therese B. Ulvo, who will work with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra.

– We are very happy to be part of this exciting program, and are particularly looking forward to working with Therese B. Ulvo, says CEO of the Oslo Philharmonic, Ingrid Røynesdal.

– I am very happy and grateful to have been selected for this! Looking forward to the collaboration with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. After having done several major projects in recent years, and also garnering some acclaim outside the country's borders, it still seems quite impossible to break through the sound barrier internationally. It is simply something I do not have the capacity to work on enough on my own – nor do I have enough knowledge about. I hope KUPP can give me both opportunities and expertise, says Therese B. Ulvo.

Chairman of the NKF, Jørgen Karlstrøm, at the press conference at Hotel Continental on October 24, on the day 100 years since the Norwegian Composers' Association was founded – and in the same premises where the association was founded. At that time, the premises housed the Brødrene Hals piano factory and concert hall.

Enthusiasm at Music Norway
Music Norway is the closest partner with the Norwegian Composers' Association in the work with Kupp:

– I love this program! There is a strong team of good partners behind this project, and the expertise and network they bring with them I am convinced will open doors both locally and internationally. Now I am just looking forward to seeing everything unfold, and not least following the composers on their journey into the world – Kathrine Synnes Finnskog, Director, Music Norway

Talent Norway is also a supporting player:

– We are pleased with this collaboration and the efforts that are being made here for young composers. Music Norway and the Norwegian Composers' Association are building on their professional field and network and developing a top initiative for young composers. It is incredibly great that the major orchestras have seen the value of this and want to help lift the next generation of composers. We also hope that this will provide a good basis for further collaboration. And last but not least, congratulations on 100 years to the Norwegian Composers' Association! – Maria Mediaas Jørstad, CEO, Talent Norway

Watch our short video report about Kupp here.

FACTS:

orchestrare who participates in COUP
North Norwegian Opera and Symphony Orchestra www.noso.no
Trondheim's http://trondheimsolistene.no/
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra http://harmonien.no/
Stavanger Symphony Orchestra http://www.sso.no/
CORK – https://www.nrk.no/kork/
Oslo Philharmonic – https://ofo.no/

Partners: Norwegian Composers' Association, Talent Norway and Music Norway
Supported by: DNB Savings Bank Foundation, Talent Norway, TONO and The Norwegian Composers' Fund

The program consists of courses, mentor sessions, networking gatherings and composing new works.