1961 in Norwegian music

The following is a list of notable events and releases of the year 1961 in Norwegian music.

May

 * The 9th Bergen International Festival started in Bergen, Norway.

July

 * The 1st Moldejazz started in Molde, Norway.

Deaths

 * February
 * 19 – Einar Fagstad, accordionist, singer, actor and composer (born 1899).


 * August
 * 28 – Carsten Carlsen, pianist and composer (born 1892).

Births

 * January
 * 7 – Nils Økland, Hardanger fiddle player.
 * 13 – Sinikka Langeland, traditional folk singer and kantele player.
 * 16 – Kenneth Sivertsen, jazz guitarist, composer, poet, and comedian (died 2006).


 * February
 * 12 – Knut Reiersrud, jazz and blues guitarist, composer, and program host.


 * March
 * 2 – Harald Dahlstrøm, jazz pianist and Hammond B3 organist.
 * 23 – Eivind Aarset, jazz guitarist and composer.


 * April
 * 25
 * Paul Wagnberg, jazz organist, pianist, and composer.
 * Truls Mørk, classical cellist.
 * 26 – Knut Nesbø, guitarist for Di Derre (died 2013).


 * May
 * 29 – Glenn Erik Haugland, contemporary composer.


 * June
 * 22 – Asbjørn Schaathun, contemporary composer.


 * July
 * 8 – Karl Seglem, jazz saxophonist, bukkehorn player, composer, and record producer.


 * September
 * 6 – Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, musician and songwriter for A-ha and Savoy.


 * October
 * 14 – Knut Vaage, contemporary composer.
 * 20 – Audun Kleive, jazz drummer and percussionist.


 * December
 * 13 – Per Øystein Sørensen, singer and songwriter for Fra Lippo Lippi.
 * 30 – Rolf Lislevand, performer of Early music specialising on lute, vihuela, baroque guitar and theorbo.