—Aina Helgeland Davidsen (1993)—
Aina (1993) is an official Henri Selmer Paris Artist (2020), official JLV Artist (2022) & Norwegian professional classical saxophonist with her mastersdegree from The Royal Academy of Aarhus (2017). She is currently active as a saxophonist in ensembles such as Scopelliti/Davidsen, MUVIS, and her own next soloistic album “GåMedHjertet”. As a soloist she recorded her debut album “THEN” 2020-2021 which includes historical, traditional repertoire for classical saxophone & is available on all streaming platforms. Aina works, in addition to being an artist, on a daily basis as a saxophone teacher at music & high schools. She works as a performance coach & lecturer with professional musicians with physical & mental health with her background with studying mental training, and Timani (anatomy and movement for musicians, at The Musicians Health & Movement Institute).
Aina has studied with prominent teachers like Claus Olesen (DK), Johannes Thorell (SE), Johan Van Der Linden (NL), and received masterclass from Jérôme Laran (FR) Arno Bornkamp (NL), Lars Mlekusch (AU) , Vincent David (FR), Jean-Yves Fourmeau (FR), Jean-Marie Londeix(FR), Ryo Noda(JP), Asya Fateyeva(UG) and many more. Aina started out as a 6 year old, and has since she was 8 competed around the world as a soloist & and in ensembles.
With ensembles she has released an EP “Å overleve tanken” (2021) (“Surviving the thought”), an EP with music written and performed by her for saxophone and electronics to donate funds for Norwegian Mental Health organizations. Scopelliti//Davidsen released their first EP with fusion music (genres: classical and metal) fall of 2024, written & performed by them - INFINITY. Quite a genre experiment, and crossover - both musicians improvising and composing in their expertise genre.
There are a couple of recordings coming up in 2024, in May she will be recording her next solo album live at Ulefoss hovedgård with music written & performed by her for classical saxophone and electronics. This will be a live album recording that will not be edited afterwards. August 2025 she is set to record and have a world premiere of works written by Ole Karsten Sundlisæter to her honor.
As a musician & with her in-depth studies into health for musicians through Mental training & Timani, it has become vital and important for her to help musicians to a better health. Making it possible for them to perform at their best with great tools and great health, and at the same time get to enjoy disseminate what they truly want and desire through their instrument.
As a performer and saxophonist she thrives to give people music that makes sense to them, and maybe give something through classical music where they can meet some feelings, and experiences that are unique and not accessible elsewhere. Aina is always looking for new ways to introduce classical music to people in new settings, constellations and with lots of love. Aina has made it one of her true first missions to put classical music on the map again, making it something that people will go look for and making it relatable for the audience today.
Early background, and awards; In 2009 she won the Norwegian Championship of her age-class, and came in second place in the same championship in 2011. Aina has been a soloist with several orchestras: Drammen Symphony Orchestra, BISYOC symphony orchestra and The central Staff band of Norway. In 2016 she won the Ticon-prize, located in Drammen, Norway, and May/June 2017 she recieved 1st prize in Stockholm International Music Competition. April 2018 she recieved The Norwegian State Grant for newly educated musicians so that she can study deeper into composition. This lead to her writing soloistic works and ensemble pieces to embroid and expand the repertoire of classical saxophone.
