Kathmandu:

She can pass as a carefree and adventurous youngster any day, but in addition to being a music lover Benedicte Maurseth is also a musician and a singer. She has been involved in taking traditional Norwegian music to various parts of the world. Since the young age of seven Maurseth has been playing Hardanger fiddle. “It is our national instrument and comes from the western region of the country called Hardanger,” says the musician who hails from the same region. With music schools blossoming all over the country, teaching music to interested individuals and learning music was never difficult for her.

Having the passion for traditional music she preferred learning the Hardanger fiddle to other instruments. “I don’t know how I decided to learn this instrument but I always liked the beautiful sound it made,” confesses Maurseth who has been playing professionally for the last five years. Inspired by her teacher, she not only finds the fiddle beautiful but also challenging, “This fiddle has nine different strings with four main on top and five sympathetic strings placed below which give a resonating sound. There are 26 different way to tune the instrument giving different sounds with every tuning,” she says. Indian classical music has always fascinated her and she wants to learn traditional Chinese music as well.

She has performed in various music festivals and concerts around the world. Having performed in Europe and the US, this is the first time she is performing in Asia. “I have visited Asia, especially Malaysia many times but never got to perform,” she says. When she got the opportunity to perform at the International Folk Festival 2008 being held in the Capital from November 5-8, she was excited beyond words. “I always longed to visit Nepal as I love hiking and the mountains. Performing here had both the benefits of travelling as well as playing for the Nepali audience,” she says.

It’s just been a day since she landed and she is already in love with the place. “As I walked past Thamel, I saw lots of shops, advertisements and smiling people, it’s a beautiful chaotic place,” says Maurseth. Talking about her inclination towards ethnic music Maurseth, who won the Folk Musician of the Year 2007 award in Norway, says, “The minute you start learning ethnic music you become part of the centuries old culture and tradition of the country. It feels like you are connected to the history while playing the music performed by great artistes and you also make your contribution to the future generations.”

Talking about the International Folk Music Festival 2008 she says, “I am excited to hear what other musicians have to offer and the reaction of the audience towards my music.” “When so many musicians are playing their folk music the environment is always so inspiring and we have so much to share with each other,” she adds with smile.