Espen discovered the clarinet at the age of 6, and was quickly determined to become a

professional musician. An early multi instrumentalist, he also practiced saxophone, guitar, bass and drums regularly, although clarinet was always the main focus. He got admitted to the young talents program at the Norwegian Academy of Music, and went on to complete his Bachelor’s Degree at the same institution with clarinetist Björn Nyman. During his bachelor studies he was featured as a soloist with Karin Rehnqvists Clarinet Concerto: “On a Distant Shore” and was performing with professional ensembles such as The Norwegian Wind Ensemble, Norwegian Armed Forces Wind Band and the Norwegian Air Force Wind Band.

 

After graduating his Bachelor’s, he moved to Los Angeles to study with the world renowned

clarinet guru, Professor Yehuda Gilad. Espen holds a Graduate Certificate and is currently

pursuing his Master’s degree at University of Southern California. He regularly performs with orchestras and chamber groups in LA, in addition to film scoring sessions and solo recitals.

 

A versatile performer, Espen enjoys performing many different genres from baroque to

contemporary classical music, klezmer music, New Orleans jazz and free classical

improvisations. He was awarded a fellowship with the Norwegian Wind Orchestra for his free classical improvisations, which led to concerts in Frankfurts Alte Oper, NDR Hamburg and a premiere at ULTIMA: Oslo Contemporary Music Festival. He has also performed both solo and ensemble works at numerous festivals across Europe, such as: “Feel Helsinki” Festival, Musikfest - Alte Oper Frankfurt, Kongsberg Jazz Festival, Molde Jazz Festival, Elverum Music Festival and Risør Chamber Music Festival.

 

Espen was recently awarded the “Rælingen Municipality Culture Award” for his merits and work in the local music scene. Earlier awards include “Drømmestipendet”, Award for young talents by The Norwegian Council for Schools of Music and Performing Arts and the Bruce Zalkind Memorial Endowed Music Award. Together with his chamber group he won the Beverly Hills National Auditions in 2019.