Ernst Simon Glaser is a strong advocate for contemporary music and recently completed the project "Echoes of What Will Come - Conversations with J.S." in which he commissioned a new work for each of Bach's six solo cello suites from six different composers. The goal was to create a unique meeting between the past and present, a conversation across timelines. The project was released digitally and on CD by Grappa Musikkforlag in November 2022.
In January 2019, Glaser performed the Cello Concerto by Hungarian composer Peter Eötvös with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Peter Eötvös.
“In the cello concerto, the orchestra’s principal cellist, Ernst Simon Glaser, impressively brings out the virtuoso elements in contrast to the eight cello voices, making the music singable and rich in tone…” — Magnus Haglund (on Peter Eötvös' Cello Concerto), Göteborgs-Posten
Among his awards are "Young Soloist of the Year" by Rikskonsertene and the “Debutant Prize” from Musikkens Venner. His debut recording with Liv Glaser on fortepiano (Schumann and Schubert - Simax) was well-received. His recording with the Royal Norwegian Navy Band, consisting of four cello concertos with winds, led an English reviewer to write that Glaser "with groove and elegance explores new avenues within contemporary music." His recording on BIS, released in 2017, features him as the soloist in Tommie Haglund's "Flaminis Aura" with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David Afkham, and was nominated for a Swedish Grammy.
After studying with Ralph Kirshbaum, Ernst Simon Glaser was appointed associate principal cellist of the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra at the age of 22. From 2001-2010, he was principal cellist of the Norwegian Opera Orchestra, and from 2009-2021, he served as principal cellist in the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, the National Orchestra of Sweden. Glaser is currently the principal cellist of the Norwegian Radio Orchestra (Kringkastingsorkesteret).
He has previously taught at the Trondheim Conservatory of Music and at the Norwegian Academy of Music, as assistant and substitute for Truls Mørk. In addition to giving masterclasses in Norway and abroad, he currently teaches at the Barratt Due Institute of Music.
Ernst Simon Glaser plays a cello crafted by Francesco Ruggieri in Cremona around 1680, generously provided by Dextra Musica.
“Schubert playing that plumbs the great depths” — Ståle Wikshåland, Dagbladet
“A CD recording that, for once, succeeds completely” — Jon Øystein Flink, Dagsavisen
“Ernst Simon Glaser proves to be a magnificent player, wholly immersed in the work” — Music Web International
Photo: Line Ikse