Role

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Composer Performer

Birth

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1955

Genre

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Concerto

 

Rolf Løvland is a Norwegian composer and pianist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on April 19, 1955, in Kristiansand, Norway, Løvland showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz musician and his mother a classical pianist. Løvland's musical education began at the age of seven when he started taking piano lessons. He later attended the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, where he studied composition and piano. During his time at the academy, Løvland was introduced to the works of classical composers such as Chopin, Beethoven, and Mozart, which greatly influenced his own compositions. In 1978, Løvland formed the band "Bobbysocks" with his friend, singer Elisabeth Andreassen. The band went on to win the Eurovision Song Contest in 1985 with their song "La det swinge." This success helped to launch Løvland's career as a composer and pianist. Løvland's most famous composition is "You Raise Me Up," which he co-wrote with Irish songwriter Brendan Graham. The song was first recorded by the Irish boy band Westlife in 2005 and has since been covered by numerous artists, including Josh Groban, Il Divo, and Celtic Woman. "You Raise Me Up" has become a modern classic and is often performed at weddings, funerals, and other special events. In addition to "You Raise Me Up," Løvland has composed numerous other works, including the musical "The Days of Grace," which premiered in Oslo in 1997. He has also written music for films and television, including the Norwegian film "The Other Side of Sunday" and the British television series "Peak Practice." Løvland's music is known for its emotional depth and beauty. His compositions often feature soaring melodies and lush harmonies, which have made them popular with audiences around the world. He has been praised for his ability to create music that is both accessible and sophisticated, appealing to both classical music aficionados and casual listeners. Throughout his career, Løvland has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. In 1995, he was awarded the Spellemannprisen, Norway's highest music award, for his album "Songs from a Secret Garden," which he recorded with Irish violinist Fionnuala Sherry. The album went on to become a best-seller, reaching the top of the charts in Norway and several other countries. In 2005, Løvland was awarded the Order of St. Olav, one of Norway's highest honors, for his contributions to music. He has also been awarded the Edvard Grieg Prize, the Norwegian Music Publishers Association's Composer of the Year award, and the International Peace Prize. Today, Løvland continues to compose and perform music, both as a solo artist and with his band, Secret Garden. He remains one of Norway's most beloved and respected musicians, and his music continues to inspire and move audiences around the world.

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