August Schieldrop & Kristian Riisager

‘Norwegian. Determined. Weapon of choice: tuba.’ This is how August Schieldrop introduces himself to his 20,000 fans and followers on Instagram. With charm, a spirit of adventure, and deep musicality, he has managed to cast a welcome spotlight on the biggest of the brass instruments. The young tubaist took part in the Crescendo mentorship programme in 2020 and has appeared as a soloist with, among others, the Oslo Philharmonic, the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Norwegian Radio Orchestra. August has won Equinor’s talent award, received the Lindeman Prize for Young Musicians in 2025, and even showcased the tuba as a solo instrument on Norway’s prime-time TV talk show, Lindmo.

For Schieldrop, exploring and expanding the possibilities of music is a driving force. He is helping to move the story of the tuba forward and has commissioned several new works. This afternoon in Troldsalen he presents a world premiere: Tragedier for to by Danish composer Bent Sørensen.

Together with Danish pianist Kristian Riisager, he approaches both new and old music with serious playfulness. Tuba and piano may not have been a combination Grieg had in mind when he wrote these songs between 1866 and 1883 – but in the house of interpretation there are many rooms. And for Schieldrop, the choice is clear: it is tuba or not to be.

Image on top: August Schieldrop, photo by Julie Marie Naglestad, and Kristian Riisager, photo by Julia Eva Severinsen.