Norwegian classical guitarist Kristina Vårlid is known for her creative approach to repertoire and captivating performances. Her 2023 album, “5 Stages of Grief,” a tribute to her late mentor Sabrina Vlaskalic, has been praised for its emotional depth. Vårlid’s debut album, “An Idea,” was named Norwegian Classical Album of the Year in 2019.

An acclaimed performer, Vårlid has played at prestigious venues like the Royal Concertgebouw and with orchestras such as the Bergen Philharmonic. She has won numerous awards, including the Antwerpen International Guitar Competition and the Grachtenfestival Conservatorium Concours.

Vårlid began playing guitar at age six and studied with renowned professors like Allan Neave, Sabrina Vlaškalić, and Erik Stenstadvold. At 24, she became a professor at the Prince Claus Conservatoire and directs the Dutch Guitar Foundation. She is a recipient of the Norwegian State Artist Work Grant and a D’Addario artist.