Tine Thing Helseth
21 years old, trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth is heading for an international career that shines as bright as the tone of her instrument. Since her breakthrough in the Eurovision contest ”Young Musician” in 2006, in which she came second, she has toured world-wide. Another important aspect was the record debut ”Trumpet Concerts”, in which she played, among others, the concerts of Haydn and Hummel alongside the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra in 2007. The record achieved brilliant reviews, and during the Norwegian Music Awards, Spellemannprisen, she was awarded the statue Début of the Year.
Backed by a scholarship from StatoilHydro since 2006, Tine Thing Helseth has been able to pursue her set career without compromising assignments and repertoire. This kind of support renders her free to make challenging and musically intriguing choices without worrying about income.
Helseth is characterized as extending the scope and technical possibilities in the trumpet. Her play is fresh and inspired, and critics has described her as being merged in one with her instrument.
– I want to possess a personal voice, as if I am actually singing, so that the musical aspect is not decided by the instrument alone, she comments.
Helseth started playing the trumpet at the age of seven, and she has studied with Arnulf Naur Nilsen at Barratt Due Musikkinstiutt since she was fourteen. She has now commenced her diploma studies at the Norwegian Academy of Music with the same teacher, who she considers can take her to an international level, as well as granting confidence after having been her companion for so long. Besides extensive touring in Europe, she has paid visits to Japan and Vietnam. Her Washington appearance will take place in December 2009.