- It means a lot to be appointed NTNU Ambassador 2024. It was at Jazzlinja that everything started and my time here has shaped me into the musician I am today, says violinist and composer Tuva Halse.

She received the given appointment on Tuesday evening at Dokkhuset in Trondheim, in connection with the opening of Jazzfest 2024.

The time at Jazzlinja was a game changer
Halse, who is originally from Molde, started as a performing jazz student at NTNU in 2019, and has since been an outstanding representative of NTNU and the jazz community in Trondheim. - For many years I have looked up to the musicians who have received the appointment in the past and it is incredibly great to be able to take part in the company, says Halse. My studies at Jazzlinja are probably the best years of my life, she reminisces. It was here that she would find the inspiration, the people and the environment that shaped her into who she is today.

Central to the new generation of jazz musicians
The NTNU ambassador is a central figure in the new generation of jazz musicians in Norway. Halse is a permanent member of several exciting young bands, among them Tuva Halse Quintet, Bento Box, Miriam Kibakaya Concept and OJKOS (The Orchestra for Jazz Composers in Oslo). She has also had prestigious assignments with Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, Tord Gustavsen, Mathias Eick and Alpaca Ensemble, to name a few.

Melodic jazz
The violinist has excelled musically nationally and internationally. The jury says, among other things: With a background as a classical violinist, she creates music at the intersection between Nordic jazz and classical music. The NTNU ambassador has a rare courageous sensitivity in tone and acting. The melodic compositions are characterized by a playful lyrical nerve. She is also known for her heartfelt presence on stage and ability to create a good atmosphere. When she participates as a musician in other people's projects, she makes the music shine with a golden warmth.

Recording and touring
The cash prize of NOK 50,000 is a welcome bonus when Halse is making new music. - Tuva Halse Quintet is in the process of recording a new record and we are planning a release tour, reveals the award winner.

About NTNU Ambassador
NTNU Ambassador is a collaboration between NTNU and Trondheim Jazz Festival. Each year, an artist or band is appointed who can act in an outstanding way as an ambassador for the university and the jazz community in Trondheim. Particular emphasis is placed on the artist's level of activity, musical CV, tour plans, artistic level, number of bands, and international activities. The ambassador(s) will receive a grant of NOK 50,000 which will be used for touring and/or promotion. Trondheim Jazz Festival administers the ambassador scheme in collaboration with NTNU. The ambassador is appointed by a jury in which NTNU, Trondheim Jazz Festival and performing independent jazz musicians are represented.

Tuva Halse is winner no. 17 in a row of NTNU Ambassadors.

This year's jury
Hildegunn Øiseth (Grieg Academy, Bergen)
Sissel Vera Pettersen (SoddJazz and Trondheim Voices)
Ernst Wiggo Sandbakk (Trondheim Jazz Festival)