A native of Norway, Morten Solvik grew up and received his education in the US before moving to Austria, where he currently resides. He holds degrees from Cornell University (BA) and the University of Pennsylvania (PhD in Musicology) and is active as an international educator, administrator, and musicologist. His publications on Schubert, Mahler, and other composers focus on the tantalizing connections between music and culture in 19th and early 20th-century Austria. While this work includes scholarly articles, editions, and edited books it also extends to engaging wider audiences at festivals and in radio and television productions as a commentator and author. His most recent projects include his participation as a consultant and talking head in his fourth documentary on the symphonies of Gustav Mahler. He also serves on the boards of several Mahler organizations. Dr. Solvik's professional focus centers on study abroad where his international background, scholarly work, and active teaching play a vital role in his career as the Center Director of IES Abroad Vienna.

Read below to find out a bit more about Morten:

Where have you studied or lived abroad?

I was born in Norway, raised in the US, and moved to Austria for professional and personal reasons many years ago. I pursued my education in all of these places and also spent a year at the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich, Germany.

What is your favorite place you've traveled and why?

Thailand, because it was so different from any other place I had been, experiencing the bustle of Bangkok and the ancient temples, from taking a jungle trek in the wilds near Burma to snorkeling on the archipelago off Ko Samui - absolutely unforgettable!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

"Spare time" is a precious commodity; I am most happy playing the piano and sometimes I simply have to make time for it to center my inner self again.