Jubel

Two decades ago a group of young folk musicians said farewell to the Norwegian State Music Academy and decided to seek their fortune as performers. They took with them the name of the Oslo suburb where they had been studying and, so, Majorstuen was born. Twenty years on and they have every reason to raise a glass and say ‘Cheers!’ as the title of their anniversary album proclaims. They've become the Norwegian band every folk festival across the world wants to book. They've won awards, released eight albums and delighted audiences with their compelling string playing, on-stage energy and ever-evolving take on new compositions with characteristic playful rhythms and beguiling harmonies. Majorstuen have the most beautiful of string sounds, whether as delicate as exquisite chamber music (as in ‘Koral’) or rich and compelling as in the cheeky ‘Kaffikokaren’ or the aptly named ‘Jubelpolka’ featuring former band member Gjermund Larsen. Their aim, all those years ago, was to challenge themselves as musicians, and to challenge perceptions of Norwegian folk. That drive and sense of freedom is still very much part of what they do and I know audiences can't wait to share their live experience once again.