TVD MIA's history - before 1999
1976 Arnfred Marthinsen was among the last in Norway to undertake an apprenticeship in the craft of musical instrument making, completing his training at Cappelen Musikk in Oslo under master craftsman Oswald Bjerke.
Marthinsen was sent to Markneukirchen, Vogtland, in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in 1977. This represented the first renewed professional contact with the Vogtland milieu since the mid-nineteenth century, following earlier migration of instrument makers, musicians, repairers, and restorers from the region to Norway. Between 1982 and 1983, he was a student at Allied Music, Getzen, Wisconsin, USA. His training period extended until 1984 and encompassed professional environments in Germany, Norway, and the United States.
He pursued further specialist training in conservation and restoration at the University of Leipzig.
In 1984, the first apprentices were sent from Arnfred Marthinsen’s workshop to Vogtland in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). They were placed at workshops, training enterprises, and schools for a three-month period each year as part of a four-year training programme.
1988 MIA (formerly MIRA) was established, and from that point onward its students have been able to obtain the German journeyman’s certificate (Gesellenbrief). This arrangement received formal approval from the German Chamber of Commerce in Chemnitz.
From approximately 1975 onwards, museum-level artefacts and musical instruments have been systematically collected, resulting in the development of an extensive specialist library on musical instruments and a significant art collection derived from multiple art exhibitions. Furthermore, a substantial number of concerts have been organised, alongside education and training activities within the fields of music and musical instrument making.
In 1990, the organisation received scholarships and project funding from NHO to support its activities.
Over the years, close and continuous ties have been maintained with the musical community in the Vogtland region.
The first organised visit was undertaken in 1986 and included musicians, instrument makers, and other interested participants. The visit was directed to the federal state of Saxony.
Over the years, the organisation has been based in Gamlebyen in Fredrikstad, Greåker, Torp, Jeløya, and Sarpsborg, returning to Fredrikstad in 2019. 2019.
The former Jeløy School was purchased in 1991, and the Nordic Hall was officially opened in May 1993 in connection with the first international seminar. The initiative was supported by the Nordic Culture Fund with a grant of NOK 300,000. Since that time, the organisation has produced over 1,000 concerts, approximately 400 courses and seminars, and 20 international instrument-making seminars, and has assembled a collection of more than 600 museum-level artefacts and musical instruments.
Since 1991, collaboration has taken place with the Norwegian Academy of Music, the Barratt Due Institute of Music, and other institutions in Norway, the Nordic countries, and Germany.
On 9 May 1993, TVD was formally established as an organisation. The inauguration was conducted by Dr Winfred Shrammek of the University of Leipzig.
In 1993, the Moss Music Museum was established under the leadership of Arnold Caspersen and was affiliated with our organisation.
In 1993, membership was obtained in the International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM).
In 1994, the Gimle Cinema was purchased and subsequently redeveloped to include a concert hall, an art gallery, a café, and residential accommodation for visiting guests.
In 1994, Egil Hovland’s 70th birthday was commemorated with an exhibition focusing on his life and artistic legacy, alongside concerts presenting his music.
In 1995, following the death of Erling Stordahl in 1994, the exhibition “Tracks” (Spor) was presented, focusing on his life and legacy. Magne Furuholmen contributed three large-scale graphic prints, “Jericho”, as well as two ceramic works integrated into the side walls of the main hall. In addition, a solo exhibition of Furuholmen’s graphic works, Cut (Kutt), was presented in the Gimle gallery.
In 1995, the property Vårli on Jeløya was acquired, and an art and music kindergarten was established, together with accommodation facilities for visitors.
Bertheau Johannessen, and Arnfred Marthinsen.
In 1995, Praetorius was founded, with an emphasis on art, music, cultural activities, and outdoor life.
Numerous exhibitions and seminars related to archaeology and traditional folk instruments have been organised, alongside collaborations with concerts, professional orchestras, and ensembles in Norway, the Nordic countries, and Germany.
I 1996 A collaboration was established with the Akustikkinstitutt Zwota in Germany.
In 1997, the first exhibition was presented at the world’s largest music trade fair in Frankfurt, the Musikmesse Frankfurt, with continuous participation up to the present day.
In 1998, the Oslofjord Accordion Competition was established with extensive international participation. In the same year, the Markneukirchen State Orchestra visited. The orchestra is among the oldest continuously active ensembles and is distinguished by the fact that all its members are master musical instrument makers.
