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 2008

Henning Kraggerud - violinist

The Ole Bull Prize 2008 to be awarded norwegian violinist Henning Kraggerud, as the conclusion to the Jury Comitee`s meeting on November 19th 2008.

The Jury Comitee states that:

"...Henning Kraggerud has given the heritage of Ole Bull`s music a fresh vitality, energy, and a virtuoso playing that has brought his name toi be knowned world wide . In addition, Kraggerud has visualized Ole Bull with the film "Himmelstormeren". The Jury Comitee also give a great credit to Kraggerud`s versatility as a musician, - a perfomer in the upper level, composer and arrangor, and finally his ability to commuicate and be an "artist mediator" of highest class. His devotion to Ole Bull is undebatable and performance of Ole Bull`s music is done with great generousity. The Jury Comittee expresses that the heritage of Ole Bull , through the hands of Henning Kraggerud, is taken care of in the best possible way".

Michael Süssmann
Chairman of the Jury

Previous winners