Trio Mediæval is a Norwegian‑Swedish vocal ensemble founded in 1997 in Oslo. The group specializes in the performance of medieval and early music, as well as contemporary compositions that draw on early‑music traditions.
Members
- Anna Maria Friman (soprano, Sweden)
- Linn Andrea Fuglseth (alto, Norway)
- Torunn Østrem Ossum (mezzo‑soprano, Norway) – later replaced for a period by Norwegian folk singer Berit Opheim.
Earlier line‑ups have also listed Jorunn Lovise Husan as a member.
Musical style and repertoire
The trio’s repertoire combines polyphonic medieval works with modern pieces by composers such as Gavin Bryars, Ivan Moody, and John Potter. Their performances often blend historically informed vocal techniques with a contemporary aesthetic, extending the early‑music tradition into new artistic contexts.
Record label and activity
Since their debut, Trio Mediæval has recorded exclusively for the ECM Records label and has toured extensively throughout Europe and North America.
Discography
- Words of the Angel (2001, ECM) – debut album, reached the Top Ten of the Billboard Classical chart.
- Soir, dit‑elle (2004, ECM)
- Stella Maris (2005, ECM)
- Folk Songs (2007, ECM) – earned a Grammy nomination for Best Chamber Music Performance.
- A Worcester Ladymass (2011, ECM)
- Aquilonis (2014, ECM) – featured substitute vocalist Berit Opheim.
- Rímur (2017, ECM)
- Solacium (2021, 2L)
- An Old Hall Ladymass (2023, 2L)
- Yule (2024, 2L)
Awards and recognitions
- Grammy Award nomination (2009) for Best Chamber Music Performance for Folk Songs.
- Recipient of the Open class Gammleng‑prisen (2015), a Norwegian cultural award.
Collaborations
Trio Mediæval has worked with a range of contemporary composers and performers, notably Gavin Bryars, Ivan Moody (whose work appears on Words of the Angel), and English tenor John Potter.
Online presence
The ensemble maintains an official website at www.triomediaeval.no.
References: Wikipedia, “Trio Mediæval” (accessed 2024).