The piece, which has not seen or heard since 1909, was discovered in the music library at the University of Toronto.

Norwegian composer Johan Halvorsen’s violin concerto was believed lost for over a century. However the elusive composition has now been rediscovered in Canada, and a 21st-century premiere of the work is due to be given by violinist Henning Kraggerud under the direction of Bjarte Engeste in Norway this year as part of the International Musicological Society’s annual conference.

Born in 1864 in the city of Drammen, Halvorsen was a prolific and highly respected composer, violinist and conductor throughout his native Norway. During his lifetime he wrote over 30 operas, as well as three symphonies and at least two Norwegian rhapsodies. His violin concerto is dedicated to the violin prodigy Kathleen Parlow, who premiered the piece in Holland on August 14, 1909. Later that same year the composer directed another two performances of the concerto, but it is believed there have been no more performances during the 107 years since then.

After her soloist career Parlow continued to teach in Toronto until her death in 1963. Her papers, including scores and personal letters, were bequeathed to the Faculty of Music...