Saturday Concert: Bach / Bartok at Den Norske Opera & Ballett

In this series of chamber music concerts, the audience will encounter members of the orchestra in a format that differs from the familiar orchestral pit. On four weekends this season the orchestra performs in smaller groups, giving audiences an opportunity to get closer to the musicians.

The Saturday afternoon concerts represent the Norwegian National Opera Orchestra's own chamber music series, with the musicians performing their favourite music.

The first Saturday afternoon concert of the year strikes a blow for the percussionists. This concert takes us on a journey from Bach to Bartók – but starting with the virtuoso percussive sound of Søren Monrad.

Have you ever been tempted to pull all of the orchestra's percussion equipment onto the stage and undertake a performance the like of which has never before been seen?

Now you have an opportunity – as a member of the audience! In Søren Monrad's Wildfire, the Norwegian National Opera Orchestra's percussionists really get to show off their virtuoso skills. The 15-minute piece requires over twenty instruments, and takes audiences on a journey through many different styles and moods. A concert within a concert, in fact.

Béla Bartók's masterly Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion also doesn't stint on the percussive power. This giant of the chamber music repertoire still calls to new generations of percussionists. It isn't only the brilliance that is fascinating here, but also Bartók's conscious exploitation of the sound options and contrasts between the instruments.

From magnificent percussive brilliance, the orchestra's musicians also offer two of Johann Sebastian Bach's biggest hits: Brandenburg Concerto Nos. 5 and 3.
Program

Søren Monrad
Wildfire

Béla Bartók
Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion

Johann Sebastian Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major for flute, violin, harpsichord and strings, Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major for strings and harpsichord