ABOUT THE OLESEN MUSIC AWARD
A new major music award has been established on the Danish classical music scene. The Olesen Music Award, founded by the Erik & Susanna Olesen Charitable Foundation, will be awarded every two years to an exceptional musical talent on the threshold of an international breakthrough.
With a prize of DKK 500,000, The Olesen Music Award ranks among the most significant accolades for young classical musicians in the Nordic region. But the award is more than financial recognition. It is accompanied by a targeted effort to strengthen the recipient’s visibility and position among leading concert halls and orchestras across the Nordic region.
The award is given to young soloists or chamber ensembles who have already distinguished themselves through outstanding musical achievements and who combine technical virtuosity with a strong artistic vision. The recipient must not only master their instrument, but also possess the ability to forge a deep connection with audiences and communicate the nuances of the music with authenticity and artistic courage.
Emphasis is placed on proven artistic excellence, significant performances and international reach – but also on curiosity, innovation and a willingness to challenge conventions within classical music.
THE PURPOSE OF THE AWARD
Through the establishment of the award, Erik & Susanna Olesen Charitable Foundation seeks to strengthen the development of exceptional musical talent at the highest level.
The award is primarily dedicated to Danish musicians or musicians residing in Denmark. It may, however, also be awarded to musicians from the other Nordic countries, reflecting the strong sense of shared values and dynamic arts and cultural life that characterise the Nordic region – diverse, vibrant and of the highest quality.
At a time when regional connections are becoming increasingly important, classical music can help open up new perspectives and create connections across the cultural landscape.
The award cannot be applied for. Instead, it is awarded by an independent Prize Committee comprising music professionals and a representative of the Foundation.
A PARTNERSHIP FOR MUSIC
The Olesen Music Award was established through a collaboration between Erik & Susanna Olesen Foundation and Mogens Dahl Concert Hall as project partner. Mogens Dahl Concert Hall is responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of the award, as well as for organising the award concert held in connection with the presentation of the award.
The Award Committee, responsible for selecting the recipient, comprises the following four members:
Stine Hasbirk (Chair): Violist and member of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra and the Arild Quartet
Esben Tange: Concert host on DR P2 and Chair of the Board of the Léonie Sonning Music Foundation and the Rued Langgaard Festival in Ribe
Mogens Dahl: Conductor and Director of Mogens Dahl Concert Hall
Anders Westermann: Vice-Chair of the Erik & Susanna Olesen Charitable Foundation
Project management: Neel Teilmann, Head of Music at Mogens Dahl Concert Hall
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
Erik & Susanna Olesen Charitable Foundation is built on values of depth, excellence and a desire to create lasting value for society. The Foundation was established by Erik and Susanna Olesen and continues their commitment to the arts, culture, education and medical research.
Classical music – and chamber music in particular – held a special place in Erik Olesen’s heart. His love of this intimate and deeply personal form of music lives on through the Foundation’s continued support for classical and chamber music.
The Foundation supports medical research, the education of business professionals, practitioners of the visual arts and classical music, particularly chamber music, as well as other charitable and public-benefit causes. Emphasis is placed on supporting projects and initiatives that benefit a wider community and contribute to the cultural and human development of society.
Today, Erik & Susanna Olesen Charitable Foundation is a living expression of the founders’ wish to preserve and promote artistic excellence, human insight and social responsibility.
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.