The Norwegian Chamber Orchestra

The Norwegian Chamber Orchestra

The Norwegian Chamber Orchestra made their first appearance in Oslo in 1977. Godfathered by, amongst others, Mstislav Rostropovitsj and Iona Brown, the orchestra has achieved an international reputation equaled by few other Norwegian ensembles. A little more than 30 years ago, the orchestra gathered some of the country’s finest, young musicians, and immediately gained attention, nationally as well as internationally, with, among others, recordings of Grieg’s collected works for string orchestras.

The Norwegian Chamber Orchestra has frequented some of the finest concert venues, series and festivals across Europe, USA and Asia. Most significant to the international recognition was perhaps the co-operation with Mstislav Rostropovitsj, who by characterizing the orchestra as one of the best ensembles in the world opened many doors. Other world class solo artists in terms of collaboration are Maurice André, James Galway, Radu Lupu, Joanna MacGregor and Truls Mørk.

Terje Tønnesen was to be the manager from the start. In 1981, Iona Brown from the Academy of St Martin in the Fields in London was included as artistic manager. This pair has through the years brought continuity and artistic growth to the orchestra. Iona Brown rounded off her permanent connection by the season of 2000/2001. The orchestra then continued with Terje Tønnesen as artistic manager.

From fall 2009, Isabelle van Keulen is the new artistic director for The Norwegian Chamber Orchestra.

Since 1995, the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra has organized their own biennial, Oslo Winter Night Festival, in which names such as Arvo Pärt, Eric Ericsson and Harp Consort have secured both variety and quality. The orchestra has made several recordings, some awarded Nationally and Internationally, as for example the Mozart piano concertos with Leif Ove Andsnes.