Bertil Palmar Johansen was born on the west coast of Norway. He studied violin at the Music Conservatory in Trondheim and composition under Per Hjort Albertsen and Olav Anton Thommessen. He has composed for a broad range of instrumental and vocal settings. Several of these works are commissioned works from both Norwegian as well as international ensembles and soloists. Palmar Johansen lives in Trondheim and has composed several large works for the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and Trondheim Soloists. Among these is Time Builds the City. The ballet was commissioned for the 1000 year anniversary of the founding of the city of Trondheim in 1997. Nominated for the EDVARD prize. In 2002 Palmar Johansen was awarded the EDVARD- prize for the work Thor's Hammer. This is a symphonic journey into Norse mythology for orchestra, choir and soloists. The project is a collaboration between a professional orchestra and a culture school. He has composed many operas and large pieces for the stage. Pappapermisjon (Paternity Leave) premier at the The Winter Chamber Music festival in Røros 2013. The Young Pilgrim was commissioned for St. Olav Festival's opening concert 2012. The Dream and the Fire, premier during the Trondheim Chamber Music Festival in 2010. With a Knife at your Throat had its premier at the Opera Festival Week in Kristiansund 2010 and in 2011at The Norwegian Opera, Oslo. The libretto was written by Vigdis Hjorth. Madonna Furiosa, premier in the Nidaros Cathedral during St. Olav Festival 2005. Later in Sweden, Iceland and Greenland. Libretto Tale Næss. In recent years, in collaboration with the Nobel prize-winner May-Britt Moser and the Trondheim Soloists, Palmar Johansen has worked on the art/science project Into Whiteness - Lost Memory with concerts at festivals and congresses internationally.
