Artistic Director Grete Pedersen will not renew the contract which expires in June 2025.
Pedersen took over from Knut Nystedt in 1990 who had been conductor since 1950. The Norwegian Soloists’ Choir has therefore only had two Artistic Directors.
– The fact that The Norwegian Soloists’ Choir and myself have worked together over such a long time has given unique opportunites. It has been a privilege to work with such outstanding and dedicated musicians with a large quantity of exciting music. After all these years the singers, administration, board, and friends of the choir have a special place in my heart, says Pedersen.
The Norwegian Soloists’ Choir under Pedersen’s leadership have evolved to become one of Europe’s leading chamber choirs. They have been awarded the Norwegian Critic’s Prize, Spellemann Award, Anders Jahre Culture prize, and twice the prestigious Diapason d’Or de l’Année.
- This has been a difficult decision, but at the same it feels natural to pass on the baton after 35 years with the choir. We have built a stable foundation which will remain. I greatly look forward to all the projects we will do in these three final years, and to share many concert experiences with our attentive audience, concludes Pedersen.
Several premieres are lined up in the coming years. Tours and festival appearances both nationally and internationally, CD releases and collaborations with leading ensembles and soloists.
– Grete Pedersen’s poisition as Artistic Director for more than 30 years is an unparalleled musical fairytale. The combination of being one of Europe’s leading chamber choirs whilst at the same time being “all of Norway’s choir” is fascinating. These are solid qualities on which to build for a new Artistic Dirctor from 2025, says The Norwegian Soloists’ Choir’s board leader Knut Olav Åmås.
The process of finding a new Musical Director is under way.