Karl Ole Midtbø was born and raised in Os, just outside Bergen, Norway. He studied at the Bergen Conservatory, majoring in trumpet, and completed his conducting studies in England, where he graduated from the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music. Midtbø began his professional career as a trumpeter with the Armed Forces Band West (FMKV) in 1977 and served as conductor of the corresponding military band in Trondheim from 1986 to 1989. After completing his studies in England, he served as conductor of the FMKV from 1991 to 1993. He has worked for the Norwegian Band Federation on several occasions, including twice as head of music. From 2014 to 2022, he served as the federation’s secretary-general. Between these periods, he also served as head of culture for ten years and head of community development for six years in the municipality of Os. Karl Ole is not only the conductor of two professional wind orchestras in Norway and a guest conductor for other military orchestras, but has also conducted various leading amateur ensembles, including both brass bands and concert bands. For many years, he was responsible for the conducting program at the Grieg Academy, and he still tries to make time to give lectures, serve as a jury member, and act as a guest conductor.

English

Karl Ole Midtbø was born and raised in Os, just outside Bergen, Norway. He studied at the Bergen Conservatory, majoring in trumpet, and completed his conducting studies in England, graduating from the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music. Midtbø began his professional career as a trumpeter in the Armed Forces Band West (FMKV) in 1977, and from 1986 to 1989 he served as music director of the corresponding military band in Trondheim. After his studies in England, he was the music director of FMKV from 1991 to 1993. He has served in various capacities with the Norwegian Band Federation—including twice as the federation’s Head of Music. From 2014 to 2022, he served as the federation’s secretary general. Between these periods, he also spent ten years as head of culture and six years as head of community development in Os municipality. In addition to serving as music director for two of Norway’s professional wind bands and as a guest conductor for other military bands, Karl Ole has conducted several of the country’s leading amateur ensembles, including both brass and wind bands. For many years, he was responsible for the conducting course at the Grieg Academy, and he still makes time to lecture at courses, serve as a judge, and appear as a guest conductor.