Winner of the Critics' Choice Award for Music

The Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, together with composer Rolf Gupta and conductor Peter Szilvay, has won the Critics' Award for the work*Jordens sang*.

This was revealed during the live broadcast of the awards ceremony from the House of Literature in Oslo, on Thursday, September 17.

“This is fantastic news, and it is a great honor for the orchestra to win this award alongside Rolf and Peter. It makes me especially proud that this was a local collaboration. The nomination speaks to the quality that exists right here in our community,” says Geir Rebbestad, director of the KSO.

In addition to a large orchestra, the work featured the Free Church Chamber Choir, Kilden , the Cathedral Boys’ Choir, the Kristiansand Opera Choir, and soloists Lydia Mahnkopf and Florian Almedal Sillitoe.

This is the first time the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra has won the Critics' Award. Rolf Gupta won in 2006 for his performance of Beethoven's"Eroica" Symphonywith the Norwegian Radio Orchestra.

An exemplary example

Magnus Andersson, a music critic for Klassekampen, gave the speech at the awards ceremony. Among other things, he said:

– The commissioning of *The Song of the Earth* is a prime example of how it is possible to pave the way for the renewal of symphonic art—and to top it off, with a work that resonated with the audience, who responded with a standing ovation.

Read the full speech from the award ceremony

Selected by the nation's critics

TheNorwegian Critics' Association'sSection for Theater, Music, and Dancepresents one critics' award annually for theater, one for music, and one for dance. Each award honors anoutstanding, dynamic artistic performance, as selected by the nation's critics.

More about "The Song of the Earth":

• Video: Watch the entire work *The Song of the Earth*
• FVN: KSO Wins Major National Award (subscription required)
• Read more about the nomination