Maria-Daniela Raasch. Photo: Steve Nilsen
Maria-Daniela Raasch will participate in the comissioned work for AMIFF 2026: #D A B L E D by Bjørn Hatterud.
Maria-Daniela Raasch is an accomplished German-born organist, choral conductor, and cultural leader who serves as the Chief Cantor at the historic Trondenes Church in Harstad, Norway.
Maria-Daniela moved to Northern Norway around 2005, initially arriving to participate in a reconciliation service project. She quickly embedded herself in the region’s cultural fabric, working in Skånland before transitioning into her permanent ministry at Trondenes. In her role as Cantor, she oversees the rich musical traditions of the world’s northernmost medieval stone church, directing the Trondenes motettkor and providing the musical foundation for weekly services, weddings, baptisms, and funerals.
Beyond her classical liturgical duties, Maria-Daniela is a driving force in the local arts scene. She is highly regarded for her innovative and collaborative approach to programming, frequently bridging the gap between sacred music and contemporary mediums. Her projects include intimate candlelit concerts, site-specific art installations, and cross-disciplinary collaborations with contemporary festivals like the Arctic Moving Image & Film Festival (AMIFF).
Deeply committed to preservation and local heritage, Maria-Daniela also serves as the festival head for Trondenesdagene. In this capacity, she partners with the Sør-Troms Museum and local historical societies to direct an annual celebration that brings the vibrant history, music, and storytelling of Trondenes to life for the community. Through her leadership, she continues to ensure that Trondenes Church remains not just a monument of the past, but a living, breathing hub of modern cultural exchange.