Dinis Sousa
Soloists
Oslo Philharmonic Choir Kristine Tjøgersen
Ludwig van Beethoven

Kristine Tjøgersen has been fascinated by nature, and in the first part of the concert you will hear the result with the world premiere of Ambra. The second part of the concert features Beethoven's final symphony. His Ninth Symphony was the first time anyone took the chance of incorporating a choir and soloists into a symphony.

Tjøgersen: Ambra

Ambergris floats in the ocean for many years, sometimes for centuries, before it is discovered or washes ashore. Because ambergris is less dense than seawater, it remains on the surface and can be carried by currents across the globe. The longer it floats, the better its quality becomes. Over time, its initially unpleasant odour transforms into a sweet, earthy fragrance. Ambergris has historically been used in perfume and was considered highly exclusive. In the old days, finding a lump of ambergris on the beach could make you rich.

Kristine Tjøgersen (b. 1982) is the Oslo Philharmonic's composer-in-residence from 2026 to 2029, and tonight's concert features the world premiere of Ambra. The work is a co-commission between the Oslo Philharmonic, the SWR Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Beethoven: Symphony No. 9

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) was a groundbreaking composer who continually challenged tradition. Symphony No. 9 is no exception and was the first symphony in which a choir and vocal soloists were included in an orchestral work. Beethoven wrote music guided by emotion rather than by rules, and that is perhaps what has made him a role model for so many composers.

The text of the symphony's final movement is taken from the German poem "An die Freude" (Ode to Joy) and carries a powerful and important message. It speaks of how we must live in peace and harmony with one another. Symphony No. 9 is a timeless symbol of hope for humanity. It is also a musical masterpiece, with powerful orchestration, dramatic tonal colours and great emotional contrasts.