The remarkable rise of Norwegian siblings Mari (violin) and Håkon (cello) Samuelsen is the result of their artistry and enterprise. “A Christmas Concert” from Norway, showcases their musicianship alongside the five-time Grammy-nominated Trondheim Soloists and a host of international talent. Ten years on, this event is broadcast to over 116 million households in the United States alone on the PBS network.

Since moving to Switzerland in 2008, Mari and Håkon have appeared as soloists at venues including Carnegie Hall, Théatre des Champs-Elysées, Konzerthaus Berlin, Smetana Hall, Victoria Hall, Kremlin Hall, the Oslo Opera, Wolf Trap Centre in Washington DC and at the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam.

A chief aim of the Samuelsens is to enlarge and expand the repertoire for cello and violin. In autumn 2013 the duo will give the world premiere performance of a Double Concerto by the Oscar-winning composer, James Horner.

Mari Samuelsen is winner of the Crescendo Prize from Meister Foundation, Switzerland in 2009 while Håkon Samuelsen became the first Scandinavian to receive Prix Nicolas Firmenich of the Verbier Festival & Academy the previous year.

Mari, who is finishing her studies under Zakhar Bron plays a G.B. Guadagnini violin (Turin 1773) while Håkon, who studied with Frans Helmerson performs on a Francesco Ruggieri cello (Cremona 1687). Both instruments are generously on loan by Anders Sveeas Charitable Foundation, Norway. Mari and Håkon exclusively wear watches by Raymond Weil.

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