The Oslo-based quartet Bukkene Bruse (pronounced: BUH-kayna BREW-sah) is not only one of Norway's best bands, but one of its leading ambassadors of music. The group performed in China in late 1994, representing Norway in celebrations of 40 years of cooperation between the two countries. As official musicians of the Olympics in Lillehammer in 1998, they brought their self-described "New Norwegian music with ancient roots" to Tokyo, Barcelona, Madrid, and Atlanta, GA. The following year, they received the prestigious Prøyenprisen for their contributions to Norwegian music. In 1999, the band performed in Mozambique as ambassadors to the Save the Children foundation. Formed in 1988, Bukkene Bruse released their self-titled debut album in August 1993. Their second album, released three years later, introduced guest arranger/keyboards player Bjørn Ole Rasch, who became a full-fledged member by the time the group recorded a third album, Steinstolen (Hello), in November 1998. The album was released in the United States as The Stone Chair, marking the first time the band's recordings were available in North America. Bukkene Bruse released a Christmas album, Den Fagraste Rosa (The Most Beautiful Rose), in December 2001, that was subsequently nominated for a Norwegian Grammy. The album was reissued in America the following year as The Loveliest Rose. ~ Craig Harris