Where: Drammens Teater, Main Stage When: Sunday, March 10th, at 7:00 PM Who: Norwegian Broadcasting Orchestra (Kringkastingsorkesteret) Conductor: Christopher George Soloists: Marc Coppey, cello/Birgitte Stærnes, violin
What to Expect:
KORK in Norwegian is a concert that focuses on Norwegian music, our cultural heritage, and our contemporary scene. Simultaneously, the program reflects the theme of the music festival; Light and Darkness. Under the direction of Christopher George, the audience will first delight their ears with Edvard Grieg's Symphonic Dance No. 1, a meeting with Norwegian national romanticism at its most folksy! Familiar themes from our tradition are playfully explored, and with Grieg's ingenious treatment, they transform into exciting and colorful pieces. Playful and cheerful, creating light! Next is a world premiere. Composer Bjørn Bolstad Skjelbred has written a double concerto for violin, cello, and strings titled "Standstill." Alongside the orchestra, the artistic director of the music festival, violinist Birgitte Stærnes, serves as a soloist, along with this year's guest artist, the French star cellist Marc Coppey. After the intermission, we present Johan Halvorsen's perhaps greatest work, Symphony No. 2, "Fatum." Rarely performed, this is a golden opportunity to hear the most magnificent symphony composed by a Norwegian. "Fatum" means destiny and offers intense and grand music, from the most beautiful themes to dynamic climaxes. As the title suggests, it brings darkness but ends in a major key, bringing light.
We are pleased and proud to present a concert featuring the best of Norwegian music to the audience in Drammen.
The Norwegian Broadcasting Orchestra is an internationally acclaimed ensemble. It is also a flexible orchestra that plays everything from symphonic repertoire to contemporary music. This is probably why KORK is considered the people's orchestra. A popular ensemble, uniting quality with the ability to communicate with a broad audience.
The orchestra is comprised of the finest classical instrumentalists today, musicians who prioritize versatility and playfulness while strongly resisting categorizing music. All music is to be performed with the same high quality and commitment.
For the Johan Halvorsen Music Festival, it is a great pleasure to present them at Drammens Teater during the festival's opening concert.
The Norwegian Broadcasting Orchestra was established in 1946 when NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation) wanted to establish its own radio orchestra. Øivind Bergh was the orchestra's first conductor, leading the orchestra in numerous beloved programs from NRK's Great Studio, laying the foundation for the popularity that has made the Norwegian Broadcasting Orchestra a public institution over the years. The orchestra is still present at major media events.
The French cellist Marc Coppey is considered among the world's leading cellists. Since winning the first prize in the Leipzig Bach Competition at the age of 18, he has collaborated with legends such as Yehudi Menuhin and Mstislav Rostropovich. This was followed by international debut concerts in Paris and Moscow, with invitations to major orchestras and festivals. Marc Coppey has collaborated with leading composers in Europe and has a particular fondness for presenting contemporary music and unknown works. In addition, he conducts, leads chamber orchestras, and is involved in festivals as an artistic director. His recent recording of Shostakovich cello concertos with the Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, solo works by Kodály, and the collection of French cello music have received excellent reviews in major music magazines. His interpretations of chamber music are described as rarely intense and engaging. He has collaborated with legends such as Maria-Joao Pires, Viktoria Mullova, and Vadim Gluzman.
Birgitte Stærnes has performed in France, England, Spain, Svalbard, Denmark, the Canary Islands, Czech Republic, Italy, Estonia, USA, Russia, and South America. She has played at major festivals in Norway and is regularly invited to festivals in Europe. Her concerts and CDs have been featured in major magazines and newspapers such as The Gramophone, Musical Opinion, The Strad, Aftenposten, Dagbladet, and VG. Birgitte is deeply dedicated to chamber music and has performed in venues such as Salle Cortot in Paris, Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room in London, Rudolfinum in Prague...
Christopher George, Conductor. Christopher George is an emerging star among British conductors. With a background as a violinist and leader of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, he has, in recent years, conducted and toured with ensembles such as the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Iceland Symphony Orchestra, and Royal Northern Sinfonia. Critiques are glowing for his ability to create vibrant and engaging interpretations. During this period, he is a guest conductor for the Norwegian Broadcasting Orchestra!