Ole André Farstad is a Norwegian guitarist, multi-string instrumentalist, composer, and producer known for his extraordinary genre-crossing versatility. Moving seamlessly between international arena tours, intimate global folk dialogues, and avant-garde contemporary commissions, Farstad has established himself as a vital and adventurous voice on the contemporary music scene. He is deeply fascinated by the universal language of string instruments, using his craft to build unique musical bridges across cultures and eras.

Farstad holds a Master of Music (Artist in Leadership) degree from the prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London. His academic foundation in classical guitar and jazz is uniquely enriched by more than two decades of dedicated field studies worldwide. He has traveled extensively to immerse himself in traditional musical lineages, studying flamenco and baroque guitar in Spain, the Ngoni and Sabar drumming in Senegal and Mali, the Siddha Veena (Indian slide guitar) in Delhi and Varanasi, and the Tres Cubano in Havana.

This deep, firsthand knowledge of global traditions fuels a massive artistic output. Farstad’s work spans from anchoring the blackened sonic wall of the iconic metal band Abbath on major world tours, to leading cross-continental ensembles like Meelodi (whose album The Great Blue Wheel was named Top of the World by the UK's Songlines Magazine) and Tilibo (a virtuosic West African-Norwegian collaboration). A highly sought-after collaborator, he regularly performs as a guest soloist with institutional ensembles, including the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the BIT20 Ensemble. Whether performing completely solo on his acoustic album Serendipities or commanding festival stages, Farstad’s artistry is defined by technical mastery, stylistic curiosity, and a profound respect for the roots of music.