Kjell Mørk Karlsen (b1947) has a varied musical background. He received a degree as organist and cantor in 1968, and later undertook further studies as a performer on both the oboe and recorder. He has studied organ with Finn Viderø in Copenhagen, and composition with Joonas Kokkonen in Helsingfors.

For more than 45 years Karlsen has been active in the musical life of Norway as orchestral musician, organist, choir conductor and composer. Today he dedicates most of his time to composition.His comprehensive output includes symphonies, oratorios, concertos, chamber music, cantatas, and music for choir and organ.