Borealis Ung Komponist (BUK) is Borealis’ mentorship programme for versatile music creators who are at an early stage in their work as composers, or who want to further develop their skills in writing music for others. The mentorship programme has been running since 2017 and is one of Borealis’ key initiatives. So far, 28 music creators have taken part in the programme, going on to develop their own acclaimed projects within contemporary music, jazz, and the performing arts.
The programme has contributed to a richer and more vibrant music community in Western Norway and nationally by highlighting new voices in experimental music. The programme aims to encourage innovation and exchange of experience, support emerging composers in developing their artistic voices, and provide them with professional experience and skills at an early stage in their careers.
Borealis aspires to promote a broad range of voices and role models, and works to ensure that the experimental music of the future embraces many different perspectives. There is no upper age limit for the programme, and participants are paid a fee.
As part of the programme, each participant will create a new work under the guidance of three mentors. The works will receive their world premieres at Borealis in March 2027.
Borealis Ung Komponist is supported by the Norwegian Arts Council.
This year’s mentors and ensemble
This year’s mentors are three internationally recognised composers, performers, and artists: Piyawat Louilarpprasert (TH), Viola Yip (HK/DE), and Sigurd Fischer Olsen (NO).
The new works will be written for a dedicated ensemble, Sori Trio, consisting of Soohyun April Jang (violin), Marie Heddan Kortner (piano), and Hertha Dahlgren (clarinet).
Participants
This year’s Borealis Ung Komponist participants are four talented composers with diverse musical backgrounds: Emily Adomah, Mikael Maliks, Peder Narum, and Victoria Nunes Finstad.
If you want to get to know Emily, Mikael, Peder, and Victoria better, read more here!