World premiere and honorary doctorate

Violin virtuoso Anne-Sophie Mutter was awarded an honorary doctorate by NTNU in 2010, in conjunction with the university’s centennial celebration. But Mutter’s demanding tour schedule made it difficult for her to come to Trondheim to physically accept the honour – until now. On Sunday, 23 September, Mutter played the world premiere of a piece written by André Previn for Mutter and the Trondheim Soloists, the ensemble made up of current and former NTNU music students. The concert, held in Trondheim, was the kick-off for a European tour for the violinist and the ensemble. Mutter was at last able to formally accept her honorary degree.

Mutter was awarded the degree because of her involvement with the Trondheim Soloists. Mutter’s work with the ensemble “has given them an experience far beyond what most musicians could expect to receive during an entire course of study, or perhaps even over a musician’s whole life,” NTNU’s Rector, Torbjørn Digernes, said as he awarded Mutter her degree. “Through her commitment to the Trondheim Soloists, Anne-Sophie Mutter has also contributed to advancing Trondheim on the international music scene.”