This CD is a special one: it commemorates the 100th birthday of the Norwegian composer and organist Leif Solberg (b.1914) and waslaunched at a concert to celebrate the occasion – in the presence of the composer (and his wife: they have been together for 79 years!).

Solberg’s only Symphony (1950–51) is a major discovery: it confirms the contrapuntal mastery evident in his magisterial organ works, investing it with a touch of sardonic humour and the dancing rhythms of Norwegian folk-music.

The choral Good Friday Meditation, by contrast, points to the lyrical side of his muse.

Paul Mann, former chief conductor of the Odense Symphony Orchestra, came to international attention as first prize winner in the 1998 Donatella Flick Conducting Competition, as a result of which he was also appointed assistant conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Tim Collins received his first organ lessons from Kenneth Ryder at St Peter Mancroft, Norwich. Since 1995 he has been organist of Lillehammer Church and was responsible for planning the new Rieger organ of Lillehammer Church, which is heard on this recording.

Marit Tøndel Bodsberg studied for a bachelor’s degree at the Conservatoire in Kristiansand, specialising in composition, singing and flute. She is artistic director and conductor of the Kvindelige Studenters Sangforening, chorus master of the Ringsaker Opera, and conductor of Vestoppland Kammerkor.