Norwegian harpist Sunniva Rødland’s recent album When She Awakens is nominated for the Spellemann Prize, the Norwegian equivalent of the GRAMMY Awards, in the best contemporary album category. This marks the first time a classical harpist has been nominated for the Spellemann Prize since its establishment in 1973. The award show will take place on March 22.
Inspired by myth, abstraction, and modern storytelling, When She Awakens features all six movements of R. Murray Schafer’s Crown of Ariadne suite, plus works by Toru Takemitsu, John Cage, Harrison Birtwistle, Salvatore Sciarrino, and Kaija Saariaho. Released by LAWO Classics in October 2025, the album is available on all digital platforms.
Rødland has premiered 16 solo works to date, and she has had long-term collaborations with a number of composers, often as co-creator in the composition process. She has performed as concerto soloist with ensembles such as the Norwegian Wind Ensemble, the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, and Trondheim Symphony Orchestra. Learn more on her website.
