The board of The Norwegian Soloists' Choir has appointed Yuval Weinberg (34) as the new Artistic Director.
He will take up the position in the autumn of 2026, succeeding Grete Pedersen who concludes her tenure in June 2025, after 35 years in the role.
– It’s no easy task to follow a legendary conductor like Grete Pedersen. Weinberg is the right person for the job, as one of Europe's most exciting young conductors, says Knut Olav Åmås, chairman of The Norwegian Soloists' Choir. – The fact that he has ties to Norway is also promising, as the choir aims to be 'All of Norway's Choir', says Åmås.
Weinberg is currently Chief Conductor of the SWR Radio Choir in Germany and a sought-after guest conductor among Europe's leading choirs. He received his education in choral conducting from the Hanns Eisler School of Music in Berlin and the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, where Grete Pedersen was one of his teachers.
– I am extremely honored to begin my work with The Norwegian Soloists’ Choir. Grete and the singers have built a unique treasure here. The choir has an incomparable spirit, with creativity and musical skill at the highest level. I'm excited to contribute to this legacy and help the choir continue to grow and reach new heights. We have many ideas and visions, and I can't wait to start bringing them to life and sharing them with both the singers and our audience, says Yuval Weinberg.
The Norwegian Soloists' Choir has already collaborated with Weinberg on numerous occasions. From 2019 to 2021 he was the choir's Principal Guest Conductor. Through his work on the artistic council for the choir’s academy, Solistkoret Ung, he has contributed to the development of young singers.
Weinberg was selected through a thorough process that has taken place the past four years. Two committees consisting of singers, external members, and the managing director have worked on the selection. An initial five-year contract will be signed. The choir will also engage an Artistic Assistant. This position will be advertised in the course of the year.
