The Cikada Ensemble is a contemporary classical music ensemble based in Oslo, Norway. The ensemble was founded in 1989 by a group of young musicians who were interested in exploring new and experimental music. Since then, the ensemble has become one of the most important and influential contemporary music groups in Norway and beyond. The founding members of the Cikada Ensemble were composers and musicians who were interested in exploring new and experimental music. The ensemble was named after the Cikada, a small insect that produces a distinctive sound. The founding members of the ensemble were Christian Eggen, Kenneth Karlsson, Bjørn Rabben, and Anders Nilsson. Over the years, the ensemble has had many members, but the core group has remained the same. The Cikada Ensemble has performed all over the world, including in Europe, Asia, and North America. The ensemble has collaborated with many composers and musicians, including Helmut Lachenmann, Kaija Saariaho, and Magnus Lindberg. The ensemble has also commissioned many new works from composers such as Rolf Wallin, Bent Sørensen, and Henrik Hellstenius. One of the highlights of the Cikada Ensemble's career was their performance of Helmut Lachenmann's opera "Das Mädchen mit den Schwefelhölzern" at the Salzburg Festival in 2002. The performance was widely praised by critics and established the ensemble as one of the leading contemporary music groups in Europe. The ensemble has also performed at many other prestigious festivals, including the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, the Donaueschingen Festival, and the Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival. The Cikada Ensemble has won many awards and accolades over the years. In 1999, the ensemble was awarded the Norwegian Grammy for their recording of works by the composer Arne Nordheim. The ensemble has also been awarded the Spellemannprisen, the highest award for music in Norway, for their recordings of works by composers such as Kaija Saariaho and Rolf Wallin. The Cikada Ensemble has also been involved in many educational and outreach programs. The ensemble has worked with young musicians and composers, and has given workshops and masterclasses at universities and conservatories around the world. The ensemble has also been involved in community outreach programs, bringing contemporary music to audiences who might not otherwise have the opportunity to hear it. In conclusion, the Cikada Ensemble is one of the most important and influential contemporary music groups in Norway and beyond. The ensemble was founded by a group of young musicians who were interested in exploring new and experimental music, and has since become a leading force in contemporary music. The ensemble has performed all over the world, collaborated with many composers and musicians, and has won many awards and accolades. The Cikada Ensemble has also been involved in many educational and outreach programs, bringing contemporary music to audiences who might not otherwise have the opportunity to hear it.

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