Role

:

Composer Conductor

Genre

:

Concerto

 

Gisle Kverndokk is a Norwegian composer who was born on October 20, 1967, in Bergen, Norway. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a composer and his mother a pianist. This musical environment had a significant impact on Kverndokk's early life, and he began playing the piano at a young age. Kverndokk's musical education began at the Bergen Music Conservatory, where he studied composition with Bjørn Kruse. He later continued his studies at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, where he studied with Olav Anton Thommessen and Lasse Thoresen. During his time at the academy, Kverndokk also studied conducting with Terje Boye Hansen. Kverndokk's early works were heavily influenced by the contemporary classical music of the time, particularly the music of György Ligeti and Krzysztof Penderecki. However, as he continued to develop as a composer, Kverndokk began to incorporate elements of Norwegian folk music and jazz into his compositions. One of Kverndokk's most significant works is his opera "The Seventh Seal," which is based on the Ingmar Bergman film of the same name. The opera premiered in 2016 at the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, and it was well-received by both audiences and critics. The opera features a libretto by Kverndokk's frequent collaborator, Aksel-Otto Bull. Another notable work by Kverndokk is his oratorio "The Light," which was commissioned by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. The oratorio premiered in 2012 and features a libretto by the Norwegian author and playwright, Cecilie Løveid. Kverndokk has also composed a significant amount of music for the stage, including several musicals. One of his most successful musicals is "Juleevangeliet," which is a retelling of the Christmas story. The musical premiered in 2000 and has since been performed in numerous productions throughout Norway. In addition to his work as a composer, Kverndokk is also an accomplished conductor. He has conducted several orchestras in Norway, including the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Norwegian Radio Orchestra. Kverndokk's music has been performed by numerous orchestras and ensembles throughout Norway and Europe. He has received several awards for his work, including the Edvard Prize for Best Contemporary Music in 2002 and 2012. Overall, Gisle Kverndokk is a highly regarded composer in Norway and beyond. His music is known for its blend of contemporary classical music with elements of Norwegian folk music and jazz. His works for the stage, including his opera "The Seventh Seal" and his musical "Juleevangeliet," have been particularly successful, and he continues to be a prominent figure in the Norwegian music scene.

More....