Vegard Landaas

Vegard Landaas (born 1973) received his diploma in 2000 from the Norwegian Academy of Music, where he studied with Harald Bergersen and was the first student with saxophone as principal instrument.
Landaas has received sparkling reviews for his solo concertos. His repertoire features a number of solo and chamber concertos with works from the standard literature and a special emphasis on music of contemporary composers. Among those who have dedicated compositions to him are Jon Balke, Olav Berg, Therese Birkelund Ulvo, Håvard Caspersen, Roy Hellvin, Risto Holopeinen, Vidar Johansen, Bjørn Kruse, Mauritz Løvgren, Yngve Slettholm, Jens Wendelboe, and Øivind Westby.
Landaas has been a soloist with various orchestras, choirs, and bands. The many major ensembles throughout the country with which he has performed include the Oslo Philharmonic, the Orchestra of the Norwegian Opera & Ballet, the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, the Oslo Sinfonietta, and the BIT 20 Ensemble (Bergen Ensemble for Contemporary Music). In August, 2004 Landaas recorded the saxophone concerto “The Nights Exist” with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra (Aurora Records). The piece was composed by Yngve Slettholm and dedicated to Landaas, who premiered the work with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra in the spring of 2000. As a member of NoXaS Saxophone Quartet, he premiered Olav Anton Thommessen’s “Tuba mirum” with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra in the autumn of 2010. Landaas has previously participated on the recordings “Yngve Slettholm Chamber Music for Saxophone and Percussion” (LWC1017) and “The Golden Hindemith” (LWC1005). With organist Anders Eidsten Dahl he has previously released “Aria” (LWC1046). Landaas has also produced numerous recordings for classical artists.