Tromsø Kammerorkester is a classical music ensemble based in Tromsø, Norway. The ensemble was founded in 1990 by a group of local musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The founding members included violinists Kari Ravnan and Kjell Samkopf, violist Kari Mette Plassen, cellist Kjell Samkopf, and pianist Einar Steen-Nøkleberg. The ensemble's main focus is on performing chamber music from the classical and romantic periods, as well as contemporary works by Norwegian composers. The ensemble has a flexible lineup, ranging from a small string quartet to a larger chamber orchestra. The ensemble's repertoire includes works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Grieg, and many others. Over the years, Tromsø Kammerorkester has become one of the most respected chamber ensembles in Norway. The ensemble has performed at many prestigious venues, including the Oslo Concert Hall, the Bergen International Festival, and the Northern Lights Festival in Tromsø. The ensemble has also toured extensively throughout Norway and Europe, performing in countries such as Germany, France, and Italy. One of the highlights of Tromsø Kammerorkester's career was their performance at the 1994 Bergen International Festival. The ensemble performed a program of works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Grieg, which was met with critical acclaim. The ensemble was praised for their technical precision and musical sensitivity, and the performance was described as "a triumph of chamber music." In addition to their live performances, Tromsø Kammerorkester has also released several recordings. Their debut album, "Chamber Music from Norway," was released in 1992 and featured works by Grieg, Halvorsen, and Sinding. The album was well-received by critics and helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as one of Norway's leading chamber ensembles. Tromsø Kammerorkester has also been the recipient of several awards and honors. In 1996, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Spellemannprisen, Norway's equivalent of the Grammy Awards, for their album "Chamber Music from Norway, Vol. 2." The album featured works by composers such as Johan Halvorsen, Edvard Grieg, and Christian Sinding. In 2002, Tromsø Kammerorkester was awarded the Nordlysprisen, a cultural award given by the city of Tromsø. The ensemble was recognized for their contributions to the cultural life of the city and for their dedication to promoting classical music in Norway. Today, Tromsø Kammerorkester continues to be one of Norway's most respected chamber ensembles. The ensemble's current members include violinists Kari Ravnan and Kjell Samkopf, violist Kari Mette Plassen, cellist Kjell Samkopf, and pianist Einar Steen-Nøkleberg. The ensemble's commitment to excellence and their passion for chamber music has made them a beloved fixture in Norway's classical music scene.

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