What happens when an orchestra sound meets an instrument from a different music tradition? Together with the Norwegian Confederation of Youth Orchestras (UNOF), we now lend out professional tradition-bearers to member orchestras. The first visit—connected to MUSO’s 70th anniversary—took place at Ullevål School on 20 September, led by composer and musician Mirsaeed Hosseiny Panah on santur (a Persian hammered dulcimer with 72 strings). The session focused on microtones, improvisation, and playing together, and the response was enthusiastic: “What a birthday present!” said cello teacher Marius Lilleslåtten.
The scheme is initially open to orchestras in the Oslo region and is delivered by UNOF in collaboration with Samspill International Music Network, with support from Sparebankstiftelsen DNB. Musicians currently available include:
Mirsaeed Hosseiny Panah – santur
Nawar Alnaddaf – oud
Safaa Al-Saadi – perkusjon
Celio de Carvalho – perkusjon
The offer is free for UNOF member orchestras; UNOF covers musician costs, while the orchestra provides a venue and its own conductor. Bookings are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and UNOF accepts requests on a rolling basis.
See highlights from the visit at MUSO:
Thanks to UNOF for the partnership—and to MUSO for their curiosity and joy of playing! Read UNOF’s story on their site.
