Ensemble Allegria

‘Allegria’ is Italian for joy, and it was precisely the joy of playing together that led a group of music students to form the string orchestra in 2007. Today, Ensemble Allegria consists of 26 permanent musicians and has four albums and two Spellemann nominations to its name. They have performed at the Bergen International Festival several times and are known for combining artistic quality with spontaneity and flexibility. The ensemble often plays standing, without sheet music, and without a conductor.

In Håkonshallen, the ensemble offers two audience favourites from the classical repertoire: Grieg's Holberg Suite and Bartók's Divertimento, both lively and energetic works inspired by the 18th century. The programme also includes a world premiere by Norwegian composer Kristine Tjøgersen, who drew inspiration from the word for the scent of rain when it falls on dry ground, the Greek ‘petrichor’.

‘A living, independent, and thoughtful orchestra like this is a gift,’ wrote the Norwegian newspaper Morgenbladet about Ensemble Allegria’s latest album, highlighting their energy, vitality, and reflection.

Photo: Helge Brekke

Venue

Håkonshallen

Contributors

• Ensemble Allegria

Music by

• Grieg

• Tjøgersen

• Bartók

Works

• Edvard Grieg (1848–1907)

  From Holberg’s time – Suite in olden style, op. 40 

  1. Praeludium (Allegro vivace) 
  2. Sarabande (Andante)
  3. Gavotte (Allegretto)
  4. Air (Andante religioso)
  5. Rigaudon (Allegro con brio)

• Kristine Tjøgersen (1982–)

  Commissioned work, world premiere 

 Interval

•  Béla Bartók (1881–1945)

  Divertimento for String Orchestra, Sz113 

  1. Allegro non troppo

  2. Molto adagio

  3. Allegro assai