In the ever-evolving world of contemporary classical and instrumental music, few artists embody the spirit of international collaboration quite like John Vegard Schow. The Norwegian composer, pianist, and professor of performing music is on the brink of releasing a groundbreaking EP that showcases his unwavering commitment to fostering global musical connections.
Schow’s journey in music began early, as it often does for many musicians. Influenced by his mother’s gentle singing and his own childish experimentation with various instruments, his passion for music has been a constant companion throughout his life. From the endearing image of a young Schow recording rock-n-roll songs on a cassette player to the determined teenager mastering multiple instruments, his path to becoming a versatile artist and educator seems almost predestined.
Now, armed with a master’s degree in musicology from the University of Oslo and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from The Grieg Academy, Schow has carved out a unique niche for himself in the music industry. “I write music in different genres,” he explains with a hint of pride in his voice. “Jazz, pop, gospel, worship, children’s music, and music for film, theatre and TV.” This diversity is not just talk – it’s evident in his impressive portfolio, which includes touring several European countries and the US as a pianist, producing music for various artists, and even composing for an animated series viewed in over 180 countries.
When asked to describe his music, Schow pauses thoughtfully before responding. “It’s peaceful music with strong melodies that invites listeners to dream, focus, and relax,” he says, his eyes genuine with passion. His hope, he adds with a warm smile, is that listeners will find “inspiration, calmness, rest, revelations, new ideas and a lot of fun” in his compositions.
But Schow’s latest project might just be his most ambitious yet. Titled “Pianists of the World,” this EP brings together Schow and four renowned European pianists in a unique collaboration. The project’s genesis can be traced back to September 2023, when Schow, with the backing of organizations like Music Norway and Musikkforleggerne, embarked on a whirlwind tour across Europe to meet with the collaborating composers in their home studios.
The EP consists of four tracks, each a collaboration between Schow and a different European pianist. As of July 30th, 2024, three of the four singles have already been released, each making its own splash in the music world:
- “Swans of Bruges” featuring Tom Kristiaan from Belgium, released on May 25th, 2024
- “Fawns of Amersfoort” with Ron Adelaar from the Netherlands, released on June 13th, 2024
- “Lamb of the Midlands” collaborating with Christof R Davis from the UK, released on July 14th, 2024
(Access all currently released tracks via this Spotify playlist)
The final single, “Crane Dance of Närke,” a collaboration with Rasmus Høisgaard Thomsen (known as Højsgaard) from Sweden/Denmark, is set to drop on August 2nd, 2024, alongside the complete EP.
This project is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a testament to Schow’s vision of breaking down musical borders and exploring diverse pianistic styles. The Norwegian company Make Music Publishing AS holds publisher rights for all tracks on the EP, underlining the international scope of this collaboration.
As the August 2nd release date inches closer, there’s a palpable buzz among music enthusiasts worldwide. The EP will be available on all major streaming platforms, allowing listeners to embark on this musical journey across Europe from the comfort of their own homes or on-the-go.
But in true artist fashion, Schow isn’t resting on his laurels. Even as “Pianists of the World” prepares for its grand debut, he’s already knee-deep in other projects. New solo piano pieces are taking shape for late 2024 and early 2025, and he’s also tackling a more ambitious project based on the Song of Songs. As if that weren’t enough to keep him busy, he’s also in the process of composing 150 songs inspired by the Psalms. “There’s always more music to be made,” he says with a smile.
For those eager to explore Schow’s work, his music and updates can be found on various platforms including Spotify, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. His official website, schow.org, offers a treasure trove of information about his projects and collaborations.
As we count down the days to the release of “Pianists of the World,” one thing is crystal clear: John Vegard Schow continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in piano music. This EP stands as a shining testament to the power of collaboration and the universal language of music. So mark your calendars for August 2nd – this is one musical journey you won’t want to miss. Who knows? It might just be the soundtrack to your next big adventure.
