Orkester Norden

Northern Europe

The Orkester Norden is true to its name and could scarcely be more Nordic. Every year in mid-summer there is a gathering of 50 to 100 music students aged between 15 and 25 from Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Over a two-week period, they rehearse modern and classical works for an innovative and first-class tour programme. The philosophy of the orchestra, founded in Sweden in 1993 by Esa-Pekka Salonen, is to give young musicians the chance to be able to gain valuable experience as orchestral players, and at the same time further develop their musical and technical abilities. The musicians feel comfortable playing all classical and contemporary genres, and experience the traditional and modern influences that characterise the Nordic region. It is a unique blend that flavours the orchestra’s repertoire and lends it an unmistakable sound. The Orkestra Norden has been meeting in the Norwegian town of Kristiansand since 2008, but over the next few years it will make its home in other locations in Scandinavia and the Baltic region. The orchestra has toured Nordic countries, Europe and China, and is appearing for the first time at Young Euro Classic in 2011 as part of its tour programme.