Artist profiles: Majorstuen

Majorstuen in 2009

Majorstuen is an ensemble of virtuoso fiddlers who play Norwegian roots music. All of them play the fiddle (violin), although they occasionally will use the cello or viola. There are no other instruments and the sound is completely acoustic.

Majorstuen has released three albums, and was awarded the top Norwegian music award, the Spellemannprisen, for their debut album. In 2005 they won the Hilmar Alexandersen Music Prize.

Since 2001, Majorstuen has been touring Norway, Germany, France, Spain, Slovenia, Azerbaijan, Israel and Canada, including performances at Førde International Folk Music Festival, Bergen International Festival, Festival d’Ile de France, Celtic Colours and TFF Rudolstadt.

Majorstuen at WOMEX 2008 trade fair hall – Photo by Angel Romero

The line-up in 2009-2010: Andreas Ljones: fiddle, viola; Gjermund Larsen: fiddle, viola and cello; Jorun Marie Kvernberg: fiddle; Synnøve S. Bjørset: fiddle and viola; and Tove Dalbakk: fiddle and cello. A sixth musician, Ragnhild Furebotten: fiddle, went on leave in 2007.

The lineup in 2015 included Jorun Marie Kvernberg on fiddle; Andreas Ljones on fiddle; Synnøve S. Bjørset on fiddle; Anders Löfberg on fiddle and cello; and Tove P. Hagen on fiddle and cello.

Discography

* Majorstuen (2L, 2002)
* Jorun Jogga (MFC, 2004)
* Juledrøm (MFC, 2006)
* Skir (Majorstuen Fiddlers Company, 2010)
* Les Boréales compilation (Buda Musique, 2012)
* Live in Concert (Majorstuen Fiddlers Company, 2012)
* Kvitre (Majorstuen Fiddlers Company, 2015)

Web site: www.majorstuen.biz

Author: Angel Romero

Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.

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