Violinist Miriam Helms Ålien Loaned 1689 "The Ragin Strad" Violin

ASAF is based in Oslo, Norway, and was established in 1990. It serves charitably to help exceptional performers, primarily by loaning out fine collections of antique stringed instruments.

Miriam Helms Ålien is a pupil of Ana Chumaachenco and Tabea Zimmerman at the Kronberg Academy in Germany.

Ålien is also the founder and artistic director of the chamber music festival, Festivalta. This festival takes place annually in Alta, Norway, in mid-February.

Other recipients of this loan opportunity include Danish cellist Andreas Brantelid and Swedish violinist VC Young Artist Johan Dalene.

"I am incredibly grateful to the Sveaas Foundation for awarding me the use of this gorgeous instrument," said Ålien. "Having been fortunate to play several wonderful instruments over the years, I am extremely aware of the privilege it is to perform on these treasures and look forward to all the upcoming musical adventures with my new companion."