Ole Bull
The Musician and Inspirer

Known as one of the greatest Norwegian musicians ever, Ole Bull (1810-1880) distinguished himself as a pioneer, ushering in the modern era with his innovative musical style.

Ole Bull was more than a musician from Bergen; he was truly a citizen of the world. He became known to the world not only by his music and as a violinist, but also for his active social involvement.
Inspirer and motivator
During the establishment of the Norwegian nation after 1814, Ole Bull was a source of inspiration and motivation for other famous Norwegian poets, authors, playwrights and composers such as Henrik Wergeland, Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, Henrik Ibsen and Edvard Grieg.

Lysøen was Ole Bull’s little kingdom - a fairytale island with a magnificent villa made of wood. It has a beautiful dome, twisted pillars, arcades, carvings, steps and towers. Lysøen was a reflection of his many journeys - a lovely mixture of the world.

- I do not understand what Ole Bull was able to hear in my childishly naiv playing at that time. But he became very serious and spoke earnestly with my parents...Suddenly Ole Bull came over to me, shook me in his peculiar fashion and said, "you are going to Leipzig to become an artist!"
(From Griegs diary)

Winner of the Ole Bull Prize 2007

Amnon Weinstein - Israel
Foto: Hans Jørgen Brun

The Jury committee has awarded the Israelian violin maker Amnon Einstein the Ole Bull Prize for 2007.

From the Jurycommittee`s verdict:

"...There has for many years been a focus on Ole Bull as a musician, virtuoso, and human being. But few has put the important searclight on Ole Bull`s great passion for violins, - a possession and wonder for this instrument of magic. The Israelian violin maker Amnon Weinstein has brought this a further step. Through his incredible and contagious involvement for many years in "The world of Ole Bull" he has not only become engrossed into Ole Bulll`s violins in detail, but has also taken care of the instruments technical conditions in the best possible way. Weinstein shows an unique insight into enlighting the countless sides of the violin, which is a very important part of Ole Bull`s peculiarity. As a violin maker and highly recognized specialist, Weinstein has exposed Ole Bull to an international audience, and last but not least, raised the humanistic spirit Ole Bull avocated. For his great and continues efforts and attribute to the heritage of Ole Bull, Amnon Weinstein is awarded the Ole Bull Prize for 2007. "

Michael Süssmann
Chairman of the Jury

Previous winners