Uno Alexander Vesje (b. 1989) is a Norwegian harpist and composer with a distinctive musical voice. Fusing artistic curiosity with a rich sonic palette, he creates music that resonates emotionally and sparks reflection — challenging conventions and inviting deeper listening.

“What every harpist wants to do with their strings. The effects are stunning, the resolution is a breath of fresh air.” – Alison Young, Harp Column Magazine (US).

His performances have taken him across the globe — from Carnegie Hall in New York City to Het Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and Musée d'Orsay in Paris, as well as festivals and concert halls throughout Scandinavia, the UK, and Asia. He has received international recognition in both performance and composition, including first prizes at the World Harp Competition (Netherlands) and the USA International Harp Composition Contest.

Described by the World Harp Competition jury as “a sensitive artist with a mission, and more than just a harpist,” Uno was recognized for his ability to infuse music with powerful social commentary. This moment marked a defining shift in his artistic path, as he began to use the harp not only as a musical instrument, but as a voice for dialogue, awareness, and change. His commissioned works have been presented by institutions such as the Oslo Philharmonic’s chamber music series, Helsinki Harp Festival, and the World Harp Congress.

A strong example of this engagement is the concert film 736 Million Women — a powerful work for harp and women’s choir based on UN reports and testimonies from survivors of violence. Created in collaboration with the Norwegian choir V okal Vivo and ConcertLab (Netherlands), the film premiered at Vega Scene in Oslo in 2024 and addresses a global reality affecting one in three women.

In Forbidden Love (2023), premiered at Musiikkitalo in Helsinki, Uno delves into the complex inner worlds of queer Muslim immigrants — often torn between identity, faith, and the longing to belong.

This chamber music work is another example of Uno’s commitment to amplifying silenced voices and exploring deeply human experiences through sound.

With support from two Norwegian State Artist Grants and ArtEx – Talent Norway’s interdisciplinary mentoring program for leading performers in their fields – Uno has been able to deepen his practice and explore new directions as a composer and performer.

Uno has released two critically acclaimed solo albums of original compositions and contributed to numerous other recordings, as well as television and radio productions. As a soloist, he has performed with leading Norwegian orchestras such as the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera, the Arctic Philharmonic Sinfonietta, and the Norwegian Wind Ensemble. He regularly works as a freelance harpist with Norwegian orchestras including the Oslo Philharmonic, the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, and the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra.

Through his art, Uno Vesje continues to inspire, provoke, and make space for urgent and deeply human stories.

Photo: Agnete Brun.