Norwegian Chamber Orchestra

The Norwegian Chamber Orchestra (in Norwegian Det Norske Kammerorchester), growing from a student ensemble, has achieved international success via high-profile tours. Conductor Terje Tønnesen formally established the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra in 1977 and served as the music director until 2021. Iona Brown served as the co-artistic director; her successor in that position was Isabelle van Keulen. Pianist Leif Ove Andsnes began a stint as the principal guest conductor in 2002, and the orchestra has attracted many high-profile guest conductors and collaborators, including clarinetist Martin Fröst and cellist Steven Isserlis. The Norwegian Chamber Orchestra began recording shortly after its formation, backing flutist Per Øien on Virtuoso Flute Concerti of the Baroque. In 2021, the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra joined violinist Pekka Kuusisto on an album of works by Nico Muhly and Philip Glass.