Sigbjørn Apeland

Sigbjørn Apeland is a Norwegian harmonium player, composer, and researcher known for his deep dive into folk traditions, ecclesiastical music, and experimental improvisation. With a background in ethnomusicology (he holds a PhD!), Apeland bridges old and new by reimagining hymns, folk tunes, and medieval melodies through his atmospheric harmonium work. His recent releases, like *Glimmer* and *O du min Immanuel*, showcase his knack for transforming Scandinavian sacred music and traditional material into haunting, minimalist soundscapes that feel both ancient and eerily contemporary.

A collaborator at heart, Apeland often teams up with improvisers and folk musicians (like drummer Øyvind Skarbø and the trio Huntsville) to explore genre-blurring territories. Whether solo or in groups, his music carries a quiet intensity – think candlelit churches, misty fjords, and the creak of old wooden floors. Albums like *Het Verdriet* and *Brandlucht* highlight his ability to balance reverence for tradition with playful curiosity, making him a quietly vital figure in Norway’s experimental folk scene.