The Norwegian Society of Soloists

The Norwegian Society of Soloists (NTKS) is an organization for soloists, conductors and chamber musicians playing classical music.

We are often consulted by government ministries as well as other public and private entities about musical questions.

At the time, the Norwegian Society of Soloists was on the committee that prepared the foundation for Fund for Performing Artists. We are also one of the founding organizations of GRAMO. The Norwegian Society of Soloists initiated the establishment of the Nordic Soloists Council – a Nordic liaison committee that keeps contact between colleagues in the Nordic countries.

What we do

The Norwegian Society of Soloists has periodically organized a series of concerts in Oslo on which a number of our members have performed at, and also the event «Den Norske Musikkfest». These events have become an important contribution to the chamber music scene in the capital. We have also arranged concerts in Bergen.

Besides the professional work of Norwegian soloists, we organize membership meetings addressing current issues in music as well as meetings for social gatherings. We also organize public debates where various representatives of the music industry are invited.

Norwegian Society of Soloists is a member of Norwaco. Thus we manage and provide individualized payment of compensation for private copying. We are represented in the Council of Queen Sonja Music Competition. We are often represented in the selection of committees and the suggestion of prize-winners. We also have our own grants, both for members and non-members.

History

When the organization was formed in 1912, it was the realization of an idea that composer Johan Svendsen, among others, had promoted. Even at that time they had to organize themselves to protect their rights. In the beginning, members were both performing and creative musicians.

In 1917, however, some creative artists decided to form the Norwegian Society of Composers. The initiative was taken from within the framework of the Society of Soloists. After this separation NTKS has only performing musicians. Most of the significant names of Norwegian music life are past or present members.

The list of honorary members includes composers such as Jean Sibelius, Sir Henry Wood, Kirsten Flagstad, Klaus Egge, Odd Grüner-Hegge, Egil Nordsjø, Arild Sandvold, Øivin Fjeldstad, Robert Riefling, Robert Levin, Ingrid Bjoner, Aase Nordmo Løvberg and Kari Frisell. Today Ole Bøhn, Knut Skram, Einar Steen-Nøkleberg, Terje Stensvold, Terje Boye Hansen, Liv Glaser and Toril Carlsen are honorary members.