Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen (1964) is educated at the University of Bergen (mathematics) and Bergen Music Conservatory, where he studied trumpet playing, music theory, composition and pedagogy. He lives in Manger in Hordaland and makes a living as a composer, arranger, conductor and lecturer.Aagaard-Nilsen writes direct and impulsive music. Sometimes almost narrative, sometimes inspired by visual aspects, such as nature experiences. An almost object-oriented approach to harmony and melody gives freedom in relation to tonality and timbre.His artistic activity, broad production and work with amateur musicians, school bands, as well as dissemination and composition of contemporary music for children and young people, can i.a. is explained based on his own statement:"Artists play an important role in society today. Art crawls under people's skin, and remains there as an imprint of experiences. In a modern society it is more important than ever to present the listeners with alternatives. I therefore think that my music, in in addition to being music, also has an important function."Aagaard-Nilsen was head of the New Music department in Bergen from 1990 to 1994 and was, among other things, with establishing the Autunnale festival in Bergen (in 1993), which later became the current Borealis festival. At that time he was on the board of Autunnale. In 1992/93 he was an organizer and composer for the Norwegian Defense Forces.He was artistically responsible for the BrassWind Festival from 2004 to 2023.