Trio Lys
Trio Lys is a Norwegian piano trio consisting of Birgitta Oftestad, Phelan Nyvoll Walker and Kei Solvand who plays a range of classical and contemporary music.
For the Hjorted Art and Music Festival, the trio presents a varied programme that includes music from both the Romantic era and the present day. Amongst other things we will hear solo works for cello recently written by the American composer Mizzy Mazzoli, as well as duo works for violin and piano written by the British-Czech up-and-coming composer Philip Dutton. Trio LYS wants to intertwine this music with the music found in standard romantic repertoire, creating a common thread through the history of music from the 19th century to the present day.
Folket Hus, Ankarsrum
31/08
15.00-16.00
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
KEI SOLVANG
Kei Solvang moved to Norway at age five and quickly established herself as a remarkable pianist. She was accepted into the Young Talent Class at the Grieg Academy in 2017 and later joined the prestigious Talent Program at Prof. Jiri Hlinka Piano Academy, where she was mentored by renowned pianists including Leif Ove Andsnes.
Kei has achieved significant recognition, winning 1st Prize and the audience award at the Norwegian National Music Championship for youth, as well as top prizes and finalist positions in international competitions such as Pianale Junior International Academy and Cecilia International Piano Competition.
Her notable performances include a televised solo appearance on "Grieg Minute By Minute" for Edvard Grieg’s 175th anniversary, concerts at Troldhaugen, and the season opening at Oslo’s University Aula. In 2023, she performed Anne-Marie Ørbeck’s Piano Concerto with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. Kei has also performed across Europe as both a soloist and chamber musician.
BRIGITTA OFTESTAD
Birgitta Elisa Oftestad is a celebrated young Norwegian cellist known for her captivating stage presence and expressive sound. A cello prodigy, she began playing at age five and has since garnered 18 national and international first prizes as a soloist.
In 2018, Birgitta represented Norway in the "Eurovision Young Musicians" competition and won both "Virtuos" (NRK's competition) and "Frans Helmerson's award" at the Kronberg Academy. In 2019, she opened the Oslo Chamber Music Festival, mirroring Truls Mørk's historic performance.
Birgitta has performed with numerous orchestras, including the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the Oslo Radio Orchestra, and has graced festivals such as the Bergen International Festival and the Verbier Festival.
PHELAN NYVOLL WALKER
Phelan Nyvoll Walker began his musical career early, winning the “Best Musician Under 18” at the “Ung Klassisk” competition by age 10. He made his solo debut in 2021 with the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, performing Prokofiev’s first violin concerto. In 2023, he was a soloist in the “Sound of Climate” concerts. Walker has appeared at notable festivals, including the Rosendal Chamber Music Festival, the Oslo Chamber Music Festival, and the Røros Chamber Music Festival, where he performed Vivaldi’s “Winter” from The Four Seasons. An advocate for contemporary music, he participated in the inaugural “Creative Dialogue France” with Kaija Saariaho. From 2020-2023, he was part of Konstknekt, a Berlin Philharmonic mentorship program. Walker plays a historic 1860 Lacombe violin.
