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Composer  

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Chamber

 

 

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Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Ellen Sejersted Bødtker is a Norwegian classical harpist who has made a name for herself in the international music scene. Born on August 22, 1965, in Oslo, Norway, Bødtker grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a composer and her mother was a pianist, so it was only natural for her to develop an interest in music at a young age. Bødtker started playing the harp when she was only six years old. She studied at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, where she received her diploma in 1987. She then went on to study at the Royal College of Music in London, where she received her postgraduate diploma in 1990. Bødtker's talent as a harpist was recognized early on in her career. In 1986, she won first prize in the Norwegian National Harp Competition, and in 1988, she won first prize in the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York City. These awards helped launch her career as a soloist, and she quickly became known for her virtuosic playing and expressive interpretations. Bødtker has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. She has also performed at major music festivals around the world, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Bergen International Festival, and the Ravinia Festival in Chicago. One of Bødtker's most memorable performances was at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in 2001. She performed a solo harp piece by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, which was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world. The performance was widely praised for its beauty and emotional depth. Bødtker has also made several recordings throughout her career. Her debut album, "Harp Music from Norway," was released in 1993 and featured works by Norwegian composers such as Johan Halvorsen and Harald Sæverud. She has since released several more albums, including "Harp Music from the 20th Century" and "Harp Music from the Baroque Era." In addition to her career as a performer, Bødtker is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught at the Norwegian Academy of Music and the Barratt Due Institute of Music in Oslo, and has given masterclasses around the world. She is known for her patient and encouraging teaching style, and has helped many young harpists develop their skills and achieve their goals. Bødtker has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1998, she was awarded the Norwegian Music Critics' Award for her album "Harp Music from the 20th Century." In 2002, she was awarded the King's Medal of Merit for her contributions to Norwegian music. In 2015, she was awarded the prestigious Lindeman Prize, which is given to Norwegian musicians who have made significant contributions to the country's music scene. Despite her many accomplishments, Bødtker remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to perform and teach, and is always looking for new ways to explore the possibilities of the harp. Her passion for music and her commitment to excellence have made her one of the most respected and admired harpists of her generation.

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