Arvid Fladmoe

Arvid Fladmoe (8 May 1915 – 18 November 1993) was a

Norwegian composer and conductor. He was particularly known for his work as conductor of opera and operetta.^[1]

Background

Arvid Emil Fladmoe was born in

Oslo, Norway. His parents were Victor Emil Fladmoe (died 1957) and Valborg Fladmoe (1892-1971). He trained with Carl Flesch at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He also studied with Max Rostal

in Oslo.

His solo debut as a violinist took place during November 1933 in the Ceremony Hall of the University of Oslo (Universitetets Aula). In 1938, he was appointed concertmaster of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra where he stayed for two years. During World War II, he taught at the Barratt Dues Music Institute which had been founded and was operated by his wife's parents, Mary Louise Barratt Due (1888–1969) and Henrik Adam Due (1891-1966).^[2]

On 20 February 1944, Flame was aboard the ferry D/F Hydro when it was sunk in a commando operation. The Hydro was carrying heavy water that would have been used in Nazi Germany's nuclear weapons programme.^[3]

In 1945, Fladmoe made his debut as conductor of the

Norwegian National Opera from 1961 to 1973. He also served as professor at Norwegian Academy of Music

.

Arvid Fladmoe wrote numerous compositions for voice, for orchestra and several chamber works. In 1966, Fladmoe was made a Knight first Class of the

King's Medal of Merit in gold.^[4]