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Karsten Andersen

1920 – 1997

Norwegian music conductor

Conductor Academic musicianComposer
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About Karsten Andersen

Lived 1920 – 1997 (aged 77). Karsten Andersen was a Norwegian conductor, academic musician and composer.

Karsten Anker Andersen (16 February 192015 December 1997) was a Norwegian conductor.

Life Karsten Andersen was born in Fredrikstad. He graduated from the Oslo Music Conservatory (1938–39) and Accademia Musicale Chigiana (1947). He made his debut as a violinist in 1939. He was employed by the Oslo Philharmonic in Oslo from 1940 to 1945.

He was Principal Conductor of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra from 1964 to 1985, becoming Artistic Director in 1966. His repertoire includes much contemporary Norwegian music. He was also Principal Conductor of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra from 1973 to 1978.

From 1985 to 1988, Andersen was professor of conducting at the Norwegian Academy of Music. He was one of the three founders of the Youth Orchestra, which he initiated, together with violinist Leif Jørgensen and trumpeter Harry Kvebæk. His interment was at Oslo Western Civil Cemetery.

Awards 1974 Norwegian Arts Council Music Prize 1975 Norwegian state artist award

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Positions held
Eurovision Song Contest conductor
Awards
Stavanger Aftenblads kulturpris; Griegprisen
Also known as
Karsten Anker Andersen

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Karsten Andersen's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Karsten Andersen?

Norwegian music conductor (1920-1997)

When was Karsten Andersen born?

Karsten Andersen was born on 16 February 1920 in Fredrikstad Municipality, Fredrikstad.

When did Karsten Andersen die?

Karsten Andersen died on 15 December 1997 in Oslo.

What was Karsten Andersen's occupation?

Karsten Andersen was a conductor, academic musician and composer.

What nationality was Karsten Andersen?

Karsten Andersen was Norwegian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Karsten Andersen

· Wikidata: Q4356983

· DBpedia: Karsten Andersen

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Karsten Andersen. https://biography.guide/karsten-andersen/

MLA: "Karsten Andersen." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/karsten-andersen/.

Chicago: "Karsten Andersen." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/karsten-andersen/.

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