Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Norway

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Oslo String Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences around the world with their exceptional performances for over two decades. The quartet was founded in 1991 by four talented musicians who shared a passion for chamber music and a desire to create a unique sound that would set them apart from other ensembles. The founding members of the Oslo String Quartet were Per Kristian Skalstad (violin), Geir Inge Lotsberg (violin), Are Sandbakken (viola), and Øystein Sonstad (cello). All four musicians had extensive experience playing in various orchestras and ensembles before coming together to form the quartet. They quickly established themselves as one of the most exciting and dynamic string quartets in Norway, and their reputation soon spread beyond their home country. Over the years, the Oslo String Quartet has performed at some of the most prestigious concert halls and festivals in the world, including the Wigmore Hall in London, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Salzburg Festival, and the Carnegie Hall in New York. They have also collaborated with some of the most renowned musicians of our time, including pianist Leif Ove Andsnes, cellist Truls Mørk, and violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter. One of the highlights of the Oslo String Quartet's career was their performance at the 1994 Bergen International Festival, where they received critical acclaim for their interpretation of Beethoven's String Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 131. The quartet's performance was described as "spellbinding" and "mesmerizing," and it cemented their reputation as one of the most exciting young ensembles in the world. Since then, the Oslo String Quartet has continued to push the boundaries of chamber music, exploring new repertoire and collaborating with a diverse range of musicians. They have recorded numerous albums, including a critically acclaimed recording of the complete string quartets of Edvard Grieg, which was released in 2013 to mark the 170th anniversary of the composer's birth. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Oslo String Quartet has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors. They were awarded the prestigious Norwegian Grammy Award (Spellemannprisen) in 2000 for their recording of the string quartets of Dmitri Shostakovich, and they have also received the Grieg Prize, the Norwegian Music Critics' Award, and the Diapason d'Or. Despite their success, the members of the Oslo String Quartet remain committed to their craft and to each other. They continue to rehearse and perform together regularly, always striving to create new and exciting interpretations of the music they love. Their dedication and passion for chamber music have made them one of the most respected and beloved ensembles in the world, and their legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of musicians for years to come.

More....