Contemporary Norwegian composer Bjørn Bolstad Skjelbred collaborates with USA Cellist Michael G. Ronstadt

I love to premiere new works for solo cello and/or basically any combination, as long as the composer is alive and well! I love it even more if I get to work with them in the planning and have works commissioned for me. Bjørn Bolstad Skjelbred is a top-notch, outstanding Norwegian composer I first met a decade ago while premiering his works for Accordion, Cello, and Guitar, which is a stranger ensemble, and in 2019 I asked if he would write some solo cello works. As as a result you get to finally hear my recordings of two of his pieces!

Vox Terra (for solo cello):
https://michaelgilbertronstadt.bandcamp.com/track/vox-terra-for-solo-cello

Lockdown Miniatures #2 (solo cello): https://michaelgilbertronstadt.bandcamp.com/track/lockdown-miniatures-2-cello

During the pandemic, Bjorn asked me if I would record and perform a piece called Lockdown Miniatures #2 for solo cello. I went ahead and recorded it in 2020 and I remember when he approved of my interpretation and performance, which felt really good and I still think the piece holds up beautifully. Enjoy both at the links above!

If you want to find out more about Bjorn’s work, his website is https://www.skjelbred.no/

Find out more about me at www.michaelronstadt.com