Steinar Ofsdal

Born October 4, 1948 // Norwegian composer and flutist. Since 1967 the flutist Steinar Ofsdal has performed countless times in Norway and throughout the world. In the 1970's, when interest in traditional flutes was growing in Norway, Steinar was one of a handful of young performers who became strongly interested in the old sjøfløyte (folk recorder) tradition. Steinar was strongly inspired by the flute playing of Herleik Stuvstad (born 1897), who was the last of a long line of Numedal sjøfløyte players, and Steinar learned much from him. Seljefløyta (willow flute) has also been one of Steinar's most important instruments for over thirty years. Steinar's recordings "Sjøfløyta" (together with Per Midtstigen) and "Seljefløyta" (with Hans Fredrik Jacobsen and Hallgrim Berg) have become important source recordings for young flute players today. In his solo program "Flutes in Folk Music", Steinar also introduces flutes from other areas of the world and points out common characteristics found between different musical traditions. Steinar is also a member of the group "Bukkene Bruse", which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 1999.