Mari and Håkon Samuelsen

have let music play center stage in their lives since they both were very young.On their path to international renome, the violinist Mari and her cello-playing brother are way ahead of schedule.Today they are both giving concerts in the most prestigious halls with the leading musicians of the world.The unique sibling-duo are in high demand,not only in their native Norway but also abroad....

Thankfully, the siblings have the instruments to go with their formidable skills. Mari plays a fine G. B. Guadagnini (Milano 1753), on loan to her from an anonymous owner, and a rare violin-bow of Dominique Peccatte (Paris 1840) on loan to her from Sparebanken Hedmark. Håkon plays a fine Francesco Rugieri cello from 1688 and a cello-bow made by Eugene Sartory (Paris 1898) ,on loan from Anders Sveaas' charitable foundation in Oslo.

Still as students,Mari and Håkon are giving many concerts pr. year.Mari has her base in Zürich where she studies at the Hochschule towards a Master degree with prof. Zakhar Bron.Håkon has his home in Cologne where he receives exlusive tutoring from master cellist Frans Helmerson at the Hochschule für Musik.

Every year the siblings are giving their Classical Christmas concert in their hometown , Hamar.This is a part of their porfile as official ambassadors of their region.To this concert they bring worldfamous artists from all over the world wich they have worked together with,to make music in the beautiful Vang church, located by lake Mjøsa. Artists visiting this concert have so far been among others : Håkan Hagegård,baryton, Sylvia Schwartz, soprano, Isa Gericke, soprano, Leif Ove Andsnes, piano etc. For the front-side of the program they are most thankfully beeing donated art from the legendary Norwegian painter, Frans Widerberg.This concert take place in December every year.

Mari and Håkon Samuelsen have performed as soloists with an impressive and ever-increasing group of acclaimed musicians and orchestras. The year 2008 will add new venues and collaborators to that list.

The siblings are supported by a number of institutions, most notably scholarships from Anders Sveaas' charitable foundation, Tom Wilhelmsens stiftelse and Sparebanken Hedmar. For their Classical Christmas concert they have wide support from different culture and State-institutions.