The Musicians
POING was founded in 1999 by Frode Haltli (accordion), Håkon Thelin (double bass) and Rolf-Erik Nystrøm (saxophones).
For POING, the most important has always been to make a difference. Either by realizing a composer’s «impossible» dreams, surprise a blased audience by showing that contemporary music is entertaining, and that within entertainment and madness there might exist a strong political commitment and existential depth.
Frode Haltli, Accordion
Frode Haltli, a prodigy on the accordion since age seven, gained acclaim through national competitions and global performances. His debut album, «Looking on Darkness,» on ECM, revealed his virtuosity and influenced Scandinavian composers. With a repertoire ranging from contemporary classics to transcultural projects, he showcases versatility both as a performer and composer. Now residing in Svartskog, Norway, he focuses on freelance music and composition.
Hakon Thelin, Double Bass
Håkon Thelin, a leading figure in contemporary double bass performance, has pioneered new techniques and played with top ensembles worldwide. His solo albums, including «Light,» earned critical acclaim, with «Light» winning a Norwegian Grammy. In 2023, he founded Peninsula Audio Records, releasing his innovative compositions. Thelin’s influence extends to teaching at the Norwegian Academy of Music, where he imparts his expertise in double bass and contemporary music.
Rolf-Erik Nystrøm, Saxophon
Rolf-Erik Nystrøm, a prominent Norwegian saxophonist and composer in contemporary music, has performed globally and contributed to numerous recordings. His debut solo album, «Concepts of Sorrow & Dangers,» garnered critical acclaim, earning a nomination for the Spellemannprisen award. Nystrøm also composes for stage, documentaries, and chamber ensembles, and notably collaborated on the score for the 1911 film «L’Inferno» at the Tysvær horror film festival in 2013.
