Marcus Paus (b. 1979) is one of the most frequently commissioned and performed Norwegian composers of his generation. His output includes chamber music, solo works, vocal and choral works, concertos and other works for orchestra, a symphony and several operas, as well as music for film, theatre and television. Paus’ music has been performed by leading ensembles and musicians all over the world, in venues including New York’s Carnegie Hall, and on nationwide radio and television in Norway. Paus has…
Marcus Paus (b. 1979) is one of the most frequently commissioned and performed Norwegian composers of his generation. His output includes chamber music, solo works, vocal and choral works, concertos and other works for orchestra, a symphony and several operas, as well as music for film, theatre and television.
Paus’ music has been performed by leading ensembles and musicians all over the world, in venues including New York’s Carnegie Hall, and on nationwide radio and television in Norway.
Paus has been festival composer for Vinterfestspill i Bergstaden (2002), Kristiansund Kirke- Kunst- Kulturfestival (2006) and Oslo Operafestival (2009), and has collaborated with the Off Broadway theatre company The Actors Company Theatre (TACT), providing music to several of the company’s productions.
Marcus Paus studied composition at the Norwegian Academy of Music from 1998 to 2002 and at the Manhattan School of Music from 2003 to 2005. Paus has established himself as a composer with a reorientation towards tradition, harmony and melody, and he is also known for his long-term collaboration with the artist Christopher Rådlund.
In addition to the music on this recording, key works from Paus’ output include The Stolen Child commissioned by the chamber choir Ensemble 96 and recorded on their double Grammy-nominated disc “Kind” (2L, 2010), the operas Heksene (The Witches), commissioned by Gloppen Musikkfest 2008, and Askeladden, commissioned by the Norwegian Opera and Ballet – both operas with libretto by Ole Paus – and music to Sara Johnsen’s film Upperdog (2009, soundtrack available on MTG Classic).
Paus is a member of the Norwegian Society of Composers and his music is published by Norsk Musikforlag. In 2012 Marcus Paus was awarded the Wessel Prize for his achievements in the arts.
June 2013