We are talking about a talented communicator, who easily talks to the audience in ways that lift the temperature in the hall and often tickles the audience into laughing.

Peter Szilvay first came to the fore as a conductor with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra in 1996, ending his diploma studies at the Norwegian State Academy of Music in Oslo. He was soon spotted as an interesting personal profile among young Norwegian conductors: he was conductor in residence with the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra in the period 1998 – 2000, and he won the Norwegian competition ‘Conductor of the Year’ in 1998, followed by Mariss Jansons’ invitation to serve as his assistant.

Nobody serves as Mariss Jansons’ assistant for 3 years without being left with significant artistic marks.

Peter Szilvay has gained experience from working with a number of orchestras: the St Petersburg Philharmonic as well as Scandinavian symphony orchestras and all the leading Norwegian orchestras. His versatility has led him into working in the opera field and on several ballet projects for the Norwegian Opera. He has worked extensively with Norwegian military bands, and he has made his positive mark in the field of contemporary music with several leading contemporary music ensembles. He has also for some time been a part of the artistic leadership of the annual Winter Music Festival at Røros.

He has done several recordings, and he has been a solid conducting partner for a number of soloists: Leila Josefowitz, Elizabeth Norberg-Schulz, Virginia Tola, Martin Fröst, Håkan Hagegård.

He is also a viola player and has performed in the string quartet Ametri.

Peter Szilvay has showed his firm grip on larger musical forms: in Haydn's 'The Creation' with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, in performances at the Oslo International Church Music Festival of Irgens Jensen’s oratorio ‘Heimferd’ (´Homecoming’) and Bruckner's Mass in E Minor, and - most recently - his remarkable contribution to Verdi's 'Un Ballo in Maschera' for Opera South/The Norwegian Opera.

Last year was particularly busy, with performances at 7 festivals and 3 recording projects. This busy schedule has continued in 2008, starting with his debut concert with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra in February. For 2008/2009 Peter Szilvay has been chosen as the season's conductor profile by the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, with 4 concert projects and a very varied repertoire up the pipeline. The most demanding production is undoubtedly the Johannes Haarklou oratorio 'Skabelsen og mennesket' (words by Henrik Wergeland), performed in November for the first time since 1924, as part of the Wergeland2008 celebrations. 

Look out for more news about this versatile communicator.

Contact: Sven Henning - Artistic Director, Scanarts