Awarded for “rarely courageous sensitivity in tone and playing”

– It means a lot to be appointed NTNU Ambassador 2024. It was on the jazz line that everything started and the time here has shaped me into the musician I am today, says violinist and composer Tuva Halse, according to a press release.

In connection with the opening of the Trondheim jazz festival at Dokkhuset on Tuesday evening, the appointment was announced.

NTNU Ambassador is a collaboration between NTNU and Trondheim Jazz Festival. Each year, an artist or band is appointed who can act in an outstanding way as an ambassador for the university and the jazz community in Trondheim.

– The best years of my life

Halse is number 17 in the line of recipients and receives NOK 50,000 from the university for his musical projects.

– The studies at the jazz line are probably the best years of my life, says the winner, who started the course in 2019.

She is currently recording an album with the Tuva Halse Quintet. But is also involved in a number of projects and bands.

Among others Bento Box, Miriam Kibakaya Concept and OJKOS (The Orchestra for Jazz Composers in Oslo). She has also had prestigious assignments with Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, Tord Gustavsen, Mathias Eick and Alpaca Ensemble.

“Makes the music shine with a golden warmth”

Halse was selected by a jury consisting of Hildegunn Øiseth from the Grieg Academy, Sissel Vera Pettersen from the Soddjazz and Trondheim Voices festivals, as well as Ernst Wiggo Sandbakk from the Trondheim Jazz Festival. They write, among other things:

“With a background as a classical violinist, she creates music at the intersection between Nordic jazz and classical art music. The NTNU ambassador has a rare courageous sensitivity in tone and acting. The melodic compositions are characterized by a playful lyrical nerve.

She is also known for her heartfelt presence on stage and ability to create a good atmosphere. When she participates as a musician in other people’s projects, she makes the music shine with a golden warmth.”