The Oslo Philharmonic's New Composer in Residence
Award-winning composer Kristine Tjøgersen becomes the Oslo Philharmonic's first composer in residence in over ten years. During the three-year collaboration, she will both explore musical boundaries and convey the beauty of music.
"My hope is that the music will be experienced as a kind of gift—something that enriches and awakens wonder," says the Oslo Philharmonic's new composer in residence, Kristine Tjøgersen.
She is one of Norway's most distinctive and original contemporary composers. With a background as a clarinettist and education from the Norwegian Academy of Music and the Anton Bruckner University in Linz, she has developed a singular artistic practice that incorporates both musical and visual elements.
"Composing isn't just about composing with sound. Being a composer means working with different materials that you can combine in whatever way you want," she continues.
Her works are characterised by a curious exploration of the nature of sound, often inspired by phenomena from biology, the natural sciences, and humanity's relationship with its surroundings.
"It's difficult to define one's own music. Still, I would highlight curiosity and wonder as central elements, along with an interest in beautiful and exploratory sonorities."
As composer in residence with the Oslo Philharmonic, Tjøgersen brings with her a strong artistic identity and an exploratory approach that aligns with the orchestra's ambition to be a leading force in innovative art music. Her ability to combine experimental thinking with clear communication makes her a natural and exciting choice for this collaboration in the coming seasons.
"My driving force is to create experiences, and I hope they will be felt as powerful and meaningful by the audience," she concludes.
Concerts featuring Kristine Tjøgersen's music this season
Kristine Tjøgersen recommends these concerts this season:
I'm very much looking forward to the concert in week 37. Øyvind is one of my favourite composers, and I look forward to hearing his new orchestral work. I'm also, of course, very excited to hear my new work Wolpertinger, in which I've made use of a broader sonic palette. I've been fortunate enough to collaborate with Ilan Volkov on previous occasions; he is a marvellous conductor and a master at drawing out deep engagement from the musicians, as well as the details and nuances in the music.
- Øyvind Torvund Two Pieces for Orchestra and Electronics (commission)
- Igor Stravinskij Le chant du rossignol
- Kristine Tjøgersen Wolpertinger (commission)
- Ilan Volkov - Conductor
Ultima
Ilan Volkov
Øyvind Torvund
Igor Stravinsky
Kristine Tjøgersen
If you haven't heard "Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen" from Mahler's Rückert-Lieder, I would strongly recommend listening to it as soon as possible. It might change your life. For me, Irgens-Jensen is one of the greatest Nordic composers, and I have warm memories of playing Passacaglia with the Norwegian National Youth Orchestra many years ago. Together with Mahler and Schumann under the direction of the outstanding Norwegian conductor Tabita Berglund, this is a concert not to be missed!
- Gustav Mahler Blumine
- Franz Schubert Symphony No. 8, «Unfinished»
- Gustav Mahler Rückert Lieder
- Ludvig Irgens-Jensen Passacaglia
- Tabita Berglund - Conductor
- Tone Kummervold - Mezzosoprano
Tabita Berglund
Tone Kummervold
Gustav Mahler
Franz Schubert
Ludvig Irgens-Jensen
I'm a passionate Brahms enthusiast, so the opportunity to hear both Symphony No. 2 and No. 4 on the same evening is a rare one. From a clarinettist's perspective, I find the clarinet solos in the second movement of Symphony No. 4 to be among the most beautiful in the orchestral repertoire.
- Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 2
- Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 4
- Herbert Blomstedt - Conductor
I would also recommend The Future is Unheard! Here you have a unique opportunity to hear the new voices in Norwegian music—the vocal soloists and composers of tomorrow!
