The DNB prize for 2022 is awarded to Thomas Strønen
Musician and composer Thomas Strønen has been awarded the Kongsberg Jazz Festival's major musician prize, the DNB Prize, for 2022. The prize of NOK 200.000 was announced during the jazz festival's opening concert, and is awarded to musicians who have made a strong mark on the Norwegian jazz scene.
The price of NOK 200 is one of three prices which were handed out on the festival's opening day.
- Already at a fairly young age, he was noticed as an outstanding performer on his instrument, and he soon distinguished himself both as a band leader and as a composer, the jury writes in its justification, which further emphasizes the drummer's great musical range, from free, expressive connections to lyrical piano trios, in addition to extensive work as a cross-genre composer.
The Musikerprisen has been awarded at Kongsberg for many years, and this year is awarded in collaboration with DNB as sponsor. The award is given to musicians who have made a name for themselves primarily by virtue of their craft, but who also have a clear and unique musical expression, and an ability to leave a mark on Norwegian musical life. Last year's prize was awarded to pianist Anja Lauvdal.
At this year's Kongsberg Jazz Festival, the award winner plays two concerts, one with Tuva Syvertsen and Ole Morten Vågan and one with the quartet Parish. In the festival's prize-winning tradition, he will return to the festival next year as well. - We are already looking forward to welcoming Thomas Strønen to the festival in 2023, and are very much looking forward to exciting musical projects - says festival director Ragnhild Menes.
