Cellist Back in Action After Two-year Hiatus with Rare Encephalitis

He’s considered one of the best cellists in the world, but famed Norwegian musician Truls Mørk was forced out of action during the past two years by a mysterious ailment that left him unable to play. On Wednesday night, he made a triumphant return on home turf, at Oslo’s Konserthuset (Concert House).

Those of us lucky enough to get tickets were treated not only to Mørk back on stage playing Dvorak’s demanding Cello Concerto with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, but also to him being named the winner of the annual Sibelius Prize. It’s awarded to those who have made a major contribution to promote contact between Finnish and Norwegian musical life. Previous winners include conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste, soprano Randi Stene and pianists Leif Ove Andsnes and Håvard Gimse.  More