Nils Økland

Nils Økland is an innovative violinist and Hardanger fiddler who is creatively stretching the boundaries of Norwegian folk music. He builds bridges to classical, contemporary and improvised music in his own bold, intrepid way.

Freedom is tempered by respect when he interprets and presents music inspired by the modalities that folk music is made of. Økland’s musical treasure trove offers everything from lovely, melodic ballads to atmospheric experiments and murky soundscapes.

Økland has performed as a soloist with a number of orchestras and ensembles all over Europe, and has, among other things, held premiere performances of works for solo Hardanger fiddle and orchestra. He plays in the Christian Wallumrød Ensemble, and has appeared on several recordings with this group. Harmonium player Sigbjørn Apeland has also been a key collaborative partner for Økland for many years.

Økland has composed much of his concert repertoire himself, and has also written music for several theatre productions. His three solo albums have attracted attention internationally, and have received glowing reviews in music magazines and newspapers.

"If this is holy music, it is for a space church, at once ethereal and heartily substantial."
The Wire, UK.

Read more about Nils Økland on www.runegrammofon.com/artists/nils_okland/

Musicians
Nils Økland: Violin, Viola d'Amore and Hardanger Fiddle

Discography
Bris, Rune Grammofon 2004
Straum, Rune Grammofon 2000
Blå harding, Morild 1996

Also contributes on
Rosa i botnen, with Maurseth & Hamre, Grappa 2006
BNB, with Opheim, Økland, Kjellemyr, 2L 2005
Over en by, with Kari Bremnes, Kirkelig Kulturverksted 2005
A Year From Easter, with Christian Wallumrød Ensemble, ECM 2004
Som en rose, with Alf Cranner, Kirkelig Kulturverksted 2004
De to stemmer, with Caroline Krüger, Grappa 2004
Sofienberg Variations, with Christian Wallumrød Ensemble, ECM 2001
Himmelske balsam og sødeste drue, with Åsne Valland Nordli, Via Music 2001
Desemberbarn, with Bremnes & Wollf, Kirkelig Kulturverksted 2001
Jol, with Hans Fredrik Jakobsen, Via Music 1998
Knaus, with Skinn og bein, Hot Club Records 1989