Role

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Composer

Birth

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December 29, 1973 in Trondheim, Norway

 

Maja Solveig Kjelstrup Ratkje, known professionally as Maja Ratkje, is a Norwegian composer, performer, and sound artist. She was born on December 29, 1973, in Trondheim, Norway. Ratkje grew up in a musical family, with her mother being a pianist and her father a composer. She started playing the piano at the age of six and later learned to play the violin and the trumpet. Ratkje studied composition at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, where she received her diploma in 2000. She also studied electronic music at the IRCAM in Paris and the University of California, San Diego. During her studies, Ratkje became interested in experimental music and started to explore new ways of creating sound. Ratkje's music is characterized by its experimental and avant-garde nature. She often uses unconventional instruments and techniques, such as extended vocal techniques, electronic manipulation, and improvisation. Her compositions are known for their complex structures and intricate textures, which create a sense of unpredictability and surprise. One of Ratkje's most notable works is her opera "Crepuscular Hour," which premiered in 2010. The opera is based on a text by the Norwegian writer Jon Fosse and features a choir, a string quartet, and Ratkje's own voice. The piece is divided into three parts, each representing a different time of day: morning, afternoon, and evening. The music is characterized by its haunting and ethereal quality, with the voices and instruments blending together to create a sense of otherworldliness. Another notable work by Ratkje is her piece "River Mouth Echoes," which was commissioned by the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra in 2013. The piece is inspired by the sounds of the river mouth in Trondheim, where Ratkje grew up. The music is characterized by its use of water sounds, such as splashing and dripping, which are combined with electronic manipulation and live instruments to create a sense of fluidity and movement. Ratkje has also collaborated with a number of other musicians and artists throughout her career. She has worked with the Norwegian jazz musician Arve Henriksen, the American composer and saxophonist John Zorn, and the Norwegian visual artist Marit Følstad. These collaborations have allowed Ratkje to explore new musical territories and to push the boundaries of her own creativity. In addition to her work as a composer, Ratkje is also an accomplished performer. She has performed her own music at festivals and venues around the world, including the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival in the UK, the Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival in Norway, and the Donaueschingen Festival in Germany. Ratkje's performances are known for their intensity and energy, with the composer often using her body and voice to create a visceral connection with the audience. Ratkje has received numerous awards and honors for her work as a composer and performer. In 2001, she was awarded the Arne Nordheim Prize for young composers, and in 2003, she received the Edvard Prize for her album "Voice." In 2013, she was awarded the Nordic Council Music Prize, one of the most prestigious awards for music in the Nordic countries. Overall, Maja Ratkje is a pioneering figure in the world of experimental music. Her innovative compositions and performances have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in music, and her work continues to inspire and challenge audiences around the world.

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