Birth

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April 5, 1977 in Oslo, Norway

 

Håkon Kornstad is a Norwegian classical music artist who has made a name for himself as a saxophonist, singer, and composer. Born on November 10, 1977, in Oslo, Norway, Kornstad grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical singer. Kornstad started playing the saxophone at the age of 12 and quickly developed a passion for music. Kornstad studied at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, where he received a degree in classical saxophone performance. He also studied jazz at the Trondheim Conservatory of Music. Kornstad's unique style of blending classical and jazz music has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal following. Kornstad's career as a musician began in the late 1990s when he started performing with various jazz ensembles in Norway. In 2001, he formed his own jazz quartet, which released its debut album, "Single Engine," in 2003. The album received positive reviews and established Kornstad as a rising star in the Norwegian jazz scene. In 2005, Kornstad released his first solo album, "Dwell Time," which showcased his skills as a saxophonist and composer. The album was well-received and earned Kornstad a nomination for the Norwegian Grammy Awards. Kornstad's breakthrough came in 2009 when he released his second solo album, "Symphonies in My Head." The album featured Kornstad's unique style of blending classical and jazz music, and it received critical acclaim both in Norway and internationally. The album earned Kornstad several awards, including the Norwegian Grammy Award for Best Jazz Album. Kornstad's success continued with the release of his third solo album, "Tenor Battle," in 2011. The album featured Kornstad's virtuosic saxophone playing and showcased his ability to improvise and collaborate with other musicians. The album was a commercial success and earned Kornstad another Norwegian Grammy Award. In addition to his solo work, Kornstad has collaborated with several other musicians and ensembles. He has performed with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, among others. He has also collaborated with the Norwegian singer-songwriter Susanne Sundfør, with whom he released the album "The Brothel" in 2010. Kornstad's performances are known for their energy and intensity. He is a dynamic performer who is equally comfortable playing classical music and jazz. His live performances often feature improvisation and experimentation, and he is known for pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the saxophone. Kornstad's music has been featured in several films and television shows, including the Norwegian film "Upperdog" and the American television series "The Blacklist." His music has also been used in several commercials and advertisements. In addition to his work as a musician, Kornstad is also a composer and arranger. He has written music for several ensembles and orchestras, including the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra. He has also composed music for several films and television shows. Kornstad's contributions to the world of music have not gone unnoticed. He has received several awards and honors throughout his career, including the Norwegian Grammy Award for Best Jazz Album in 2009 and 2011.

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