Olav Luksengård Mjelva is a Norwegian fiddler and Hardanger fiddle player from Røros, known for his distinctive sound, his deep grounding in traditional music, and his ongoing exploration of new artistic directions. He is widely recognized as a musician who masters the core of Norwegian and Nordic fiddle traditions while simultaneously pushing them into new contexts.

Olav is a central member of several leading Nordic ensembles, including SVER, The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, Lodestar Trio, Rydvall/Mjelva, and Rydvall Mjelva Carr. Through these projects he moves fluidly between traditional repertoire, original compositions, and genre-crossing collaborations. In addition, he is the creator of Afargang, a folk black metal project that channels Nordic musical heritage into a darker and more experimental sonic world.

As a tradition bearer, Olav is deeply rooted in the fiddle tradition of Røros and the Hardanger fiddle tradition of Hallingdal. These stylistic foundations shape both his traditional repertoire and his contemporary work, grounding his musical voice in regional identity while allowing him to explore new artistic terrain with authenticity and depth.

Alongside his work as a performer, Olav is a highly sought-after studio musician and has contributed to more than 60 releases. His playing has been featured in major film, TV, and game productions such as Marvel’s Loki, Amazon’s The Rings of Power, and God of War: Ragnarök, where his traditional sound adds authenticity and atmosphere to large-scale international productions.

Olav is also the founder of The Folk Music Academy, a learning platform offering high-quality instruction and insight into traditional music from around the world. The initiative reflects his long-term artistic commitment: to strengthen the roots of the tradition while ensuring that it remains a living, evolving art form.

In recent years, his artistic focus has centered on developing new material for Hardanger fiddle, exploring collaborative works across genres, and deepening his role as both tradition carrier and innovator. Whether performing traditional dance tunes in their purest form or bringing the Hardanger fiddle into unexpected musical landscapes, Olav’s work is defined by authenticity, curiosity, and a dedication to keeping traditional music vibrant and relevant on today’s global stage.