This Christmas-CD released on the Naxos label in 1998 sold more than 20.000 copies. It was the first CD recording of Ensemble 96, and contains traditional Norwegian Christmas carols in new arrangements, as well as less familiar carols by Sparre Olsen, Edvard Grieg and Arnljot Grimsatd.

Recorded in Slagen church in Tønsberg, with its clear accustics, it gives the listener the beautiful atmosphere of Norwegian Christmas tradition.

Old - an Rock Oratorium written by Ketil Bjørnstad, was recorded live at the premier performance at the Vestfoldfestspillene June 2000 by engineer Jan Erik Kongshaug, and was released on Universal 2001. With trumpeter Palle Mikkelborg, harpist Helen Davies, Ketil Bjørnstad and Ketil Bjerkestrand on keyboards/electronic, Ensemble 96 and leading Norwegian soloists, this record gives you a massive atmosphere of the strong story from the main Norwegian saga; "Edda".

In addition to conducting Ensemble 96, Øystein Fevang sings the roles of Tor and Hermod.

Picture from live performance.

Egil Hovland (b. 1924) is one of the most considerable Norwegian contemporary composers, and has a vast list of choral works. This tripple CD released on AURORA in 1994, contains Concertos, Chamber Works and Choral Works. The choral works are performed by the Oslo Philharmonic Chamber Choir, and I do some solo parts for baritone and reciting voice. After this first meeting with this fine choir, conducted by Mr. Stefan Sköld, my choral teacher at that time, I was later engaged as a baritone soloist at live performances of Gabriel Faure's Requiem and Arvo Pãrt's "Passio" (Jesu solo part). Little did I knew that this choir should become Ensemble 96 a couple of years later, with me as conductor for the next 10 years ...

This record was recorded during my time as conductor for The Norwegian Seamen's choir, and was released on Grappa in 1999. With fine musicians as Stein Bull-Hansen; guitar, Ole Marius Melhuus; bass, Joseph Angyal; fiddle/flute, Kari Svendsen; banjo, Erik Bergene; accordeon and Audun Bull-Hansen; drums, this album is a fine mix of Sailor songs performed in a traditional way as well as Shanty's with new refreshing arrangements.
I played the keyboards, sang solo parts, made the musical arrangements, composed two songs and produced the recording. This album also contains the pop ballad "Deep River Woman" by Lionel Richie, which with my arrangement for male choir has been a "hit" for many male choirs around Norway.

I have worked with H.M. the King's Guard on several occations and concerts, both as a soloist as well as responsible for big choirs at special events.
This record by H.M. the King's Guard was recorded in FA Studio in 1996, and I sang the solos on "Norrønafolket det vil fara" (Edvard Grieg) and "Gardevise" (Augustin Lara). I also conducted the Norwegian Seamans Choir and Sandvikens Male Choir on this record.

The Christmas Songs is a collection of light American Cristmas songs, including Let It Snow, Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bells and White Christmas. The Bærum Vokalensemble, who also sang on the Grammy nominated album Immortal Nystedt, makes a bright, young and female atmosphere of Christmas, which for sure will give you a happy Cristmas!
I'm also proud and happy that my piano teacher and old friend; Freddy Hoel Nilsen, contributes with splended piano accompagnement on this record, which was recorded at NRK studio June 2002.