Ruth Bakke

Ruth Bakke was born in Bergen in 1947. She began her studies at Bergen Music Conservatory and the University of Oslo. After having passed her exams in organ and music theory, she left for the USA with a Fulbright Grant. During the years 1968-1972 she studied at Converse College (S.C.), Texas Lutheran College (University), University of Redlands (CA), and Washington State University. After having received a Masters Degree, she spent one more year of study before she returned to Norway. Since 1973 she has worked as an organist and choir conductor in Bergen. She also has been teaching music theory at Bergen Teacher’s Training College and Bergen Music Conservatory. She has composed a large amount of church and chamber music and has also worked with multimedia. Several of her works have been commissioned. Central works in her production are the bassoon concerto Illuminations, the tuba concerto Tubazzo and Chromocumuli (Color clouds) for symphony orchestra. This title reveals an important effect in her works: colors play a central part in her compositions, also in her electronic compositions such as Dolorosa for an exhibition premiered in St Petersburg and Body & Soul (percussion and live electronics) for an exhibition with Andrés Serrano. She also enjoys the art of improvisation in her duty as an organist as well as in recitals.