Sebastian Egebakken SvenøyWinner of the Norwegian Soloist Prize 2024

'When I perform, I don’t think much about the technical aspects. What matters most to me is giving the audience something, that they feel the music,' says Sebastian Egebakken Svenøy.

The 20-year-old pianist was crowned the winner of Virtuos, NRK’s soloist competition for classical instrumentalists, in 2024. Along with the title, he received the Norwegian Soloist Prize, which includes a dedicated concert at the Bergen International Festival and a cash prize of 100,000 NOK. Egebakken also represented Norway in the Eurovision Young Musicians competition in August 2024.

'You approach the piece with curiosity, openness, and playfulness that is infectious for us as listeners,' said Virtuos jury member and pianist Gunilla Süssmann.

Egebakken taught himself piano at the age of nine by watching videos online. Shortly after, he continued his musical education at the Barratt Due Institute of Music and participated in the talent development programme at The Norwegian Academy of Music. Since then, he has won several national and international awards and is now a student at the Royal Danish Academy of Music.

In this intimate prize concert, Egebakken will perform sonatas by Grieg and Beethoven, as well as works by Harald Sæverud, the composer who once lived at Siljustøl.

'I’m really looking forward to the concert, to connecting with the audience and sharing some of my favorite works for piano,' he says.

Photo: Sveinung Hoel Bjorå

Venue

Siljustøl

Contributors

• Sebastian Egebakken Svenøy piano 

Music by

• Beethoven 

• Grieg 

• Sæverud 

Works

• Harald Sæverud (1897–1992)
  From Tunes and Dances from Siljustøl, suite 1, op. 21
  Fuchsia

• Edvard Grieg (1843–1907)

  Piano Sonata in E minor, op. 7
  1. Allegro moderato
  2. Andante molto
  3. Alla Menuetto, ma poco più lento
  4. Finale. Molto allegro

• Harald Sæverud (1897–1992)
  From Pezzi facili, op. 18
  2. Little Bird Waltz

• Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
  Piano Sonata no. 31 in A flat major, op. 110
  1. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo
  2. Allegro molto
  3. Adagio ma non troppo – Arioso dolente – Fuga. Allegro ma non troppo