Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Vocal

 

BIT 20 Ensemble is a contemporary classical music ensemble based in Bergen, Norway. The ensemble was founded in 1989 by composer and conductor Trond Reinholdtsen, who remains the artistic director of the group to this day. The ensemble is made up of some of Norway's most talented musicians, and has gained a reputation for its innovative programming and high-quality performances. The founding of BIT 20 Ensemble was a response to a perceived lack of contemporary classical music in Norway at the time. Reinholdtsen, who had studied composition in the United States and had been exposed to a wide range of contemporary music, felt that there was a need for an ensemble that could bring this music to Norwegian audiences. He gathered together a group of like-minded musicians, and the ensemble was born. From the beginning, BIT 20 Ensemble has been committed to performing new and challenging music. The ensemble has commissioned and premiered works by many of Norway's leading composers, as well as by international figures such as Steve Reich, John Adams, and Kaija Saariaho. The ensemble has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including dancers, visual artists, and filmmakers. One of the highlights of BIT 20 Ensemble's early years was its participation in the Bergen International Festival in 1990. The ensemble performed a program of contemporary music that included works by Norwegian composers Arne Nordheim and Lasse Thoresen, as well as by American composer John Cage. The performance was well-received, and helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as a leading interpreter of contemporary music. Over the years, BIT 20 Ensemble has continued to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music. The ensemble has performed at major festivals and venues throughout Europe, including the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, the Donaueschingen Festival, and the Berliner Festspiele. The ensemble has also toured extensively in Norway, and has been a regular presence at the Bergen International Festival. One of the ensemble's most notable performances was its 2009 concert at the Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival. The program featured the world premiere of a new work by Norwegian composer Rolf Wallin, as well as works by Saariaho and British composer Harrison Birtwistle. The performance was hailed as a triumph, and cemented BIT 20 Ensemble's reputation as one of the leading contemporary music ensembles in Europe. In addition to its performances, BIT 20 Ensemble has also been recognized for its recordings. The ensemble has released several albums on the prestigious ECM label, including a recording of Saariaho's "Graal théâtre" that was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2004. The ensemble has also released recordings on the Aurora label, including a critically acclaimed album of works by Norwegian composer Eivind Buene. BIT 20 Ensemble has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors over the years. In 1996, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Spellemannprisen, Norway's equivalent of the Grammy Awards, for its album "BIT 20 Ensemble Plays Arne Nordheim." The ensemble has also been awarded the Edvard Prize, Norway's top music award, on several occasions. Today, BIT 20 Ensemble remains one of the most important contemporary classical music ensembles in Europe. The ensemble continues to commission and perform new works by leading composers, and remains committed to pushing the boundaries of contemporary music.

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