About Hallgeir

Hallgeir Øgaard (born 1984) started his musical path when he 7 years old started playing the piano. After a few years, in 1996, aged 12, he started to play the organ, and from 1998 to 2003, his uncle, Kristen Øgaard (Korskirken, Bergen) was his teacher.

From 2003 to 2004, Hallgeir was a student at Viken Folk High-school in Gjøvik in eastern Norway. During this year, in October 2003, Hallgeir was awarded "Statoilprisen", a prize given by Statoil Mongstad to young musical talents from the region of Nordhordland.

In august 2004, Hallgeir started his bachelor-programme at the Grieg Academy in Bergen. His teacher here was Karstein Askeland. He also had Stig Wernø Holter and Sigbjørn Apeland as teachers.

From 2002 to 2008, Hallgeir was employed as the second organist in Alversund church north of Bergen. From 2006 to 2008, he was also employed as organist in the choir-school of Åsane Church. During this period, he amongst other things, recorded three tv-services, and performed Georg Friedrich Händel's "Messiah".

In August 2008, Hallgeir was employed as the musical director of Vardeneset Church in Stavanger. During his time there, he has played ceveral concerts, and has also been leading and contributing in several projects.

In January 2010, Hallgeir were the artistic leader of the 10 years anniversary of Vardeneset church, which had about 10 different concerts, in addition to regular services. During this month, Hallgeir performed a concert with the Norwegian artist, Ole Paus.

In november 2009, Hallgeir became involved in a project in Stavanger, called "Orgel i sentrum" (a frase with double meaning; "The organ in the spotlight" and "Organs in the city-centre"). The purpose of this project is to increase the interest in organ-music in Stavanger, as well as being an inspiration towards local organists. This project was the idea of musical director in Hinna church, Ole Karsten Sundlisæter.