Photo: Charlotte Wiig
Biography
Sveinung Bjelland is regarded as one of Norway’s foremost pianists, highly esteemed for his musical sensitivity and his ability to convey the repertoire with exceptional clarity and artistic depth. He has distinguished himself as a soloist, chamber musician, and Lied pianist, and critics consistently praise the poetic quality of his playing—marked by natural warmth, imaginative richness, and a precision that lends the music an inner radiance.
He studied with the legendary pedagogue Hans Leygraf at the Mozarteum in Salzburg before completing his education at the Universität der Künste in Berlin, graduating with the highest distinction. Bjelland made an early impact on the Norwegian music scene and was named Young Soloist of the Year by Rikskonsertene. Since then, he has performed with all of Norway’s leading orchestras and collaborated with prominent conductors such as Eliahu Inbal, Okku Kamu, Philippe Herreweghe, Marc Soustrot, Vladimir Verbitsky, Andrew Manze, Anthony Hermus, Fabien Gabel, and Jérémie Rhorer. He has also appeared at prestigious festivals including Kissinger Sommer and the Schubertiade Hohenems/Schwarzenberg, as well as at major concert venues across Europe.
Bjelland holds a distinguished position as a chamber musician, and his long-standing collaboration with German tenor Daniel Behle has resulted in several critically acclaimed Lieder recordings. Their partnership has taken him to venues such as Konzerthaus Berlin, Wiener Konzerthaus, Prinzregententheater Munich, Cuvilliés-Theater Munich, Wigmore Hall, and many other notable stages.
His recordings have also attracted considerable attention. His album of sonatas by Scarlatti and Mendelssohn received international acclaim and was nominated for Norway’s Spellemann Award. Releases on BIS, Simax, Harmonia Mundi, and LAWO Classics have further strengthened his reputation as a pianist of great depth and artistic integrity, and his recording of Chopin’s Piano Concerto in E minor garnered outstanding international reviews.
Alongside his performing career, Bjelland is a sought-after pedagogue and serves as Professor of Piano at the Norwegian Academy of Music.
He has also played a significant role in Norwegian musical life as the former Artistic Director of the Gloger Festival.
Publications
- Seminar - Romansen i nye former 2023
- Troldhaugen, sommerkonsertserien. 2018