James Ehnes & Orion Weiss

Edvard Grieg wrote three violin sonatas at three different stages of his career. He described them himself as 'the first, naïve, rich in inspiration, the second, national, and the third with a broader horizon.' In these three works, Grieg’s artistic development can be traced from German Romantic influences to a fully realized, personal musical language.

In Håkonshallen, two North American soloists will perform the violin sonatas: the Canadian violinist James Ehnes and the American pianist Orion Weiss. The two have played together for many years and are known for their musical chemistry, formidable technique, and high-energy performances. Both have extensive careers that bring them to major concert halls around the world.

Ehnes is a popular soloist with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and has also previously appeared at the Rosendal Chamber Music Festival. During this year’s Festival, he will be mentoring young artists. Weiss has been described as a 'brilliant pianist' with 'extraordinary insight' by The New York Times and The Washington Post respectively.

James Ehnes. Photo: Ben Ealovega. Orion Weiss. Photo: Lisa Marie Mazzucco

Venue

Håkonshallen

Contributors

• James Ehnes violin 

• Orion Weiss piano 

Music by

• Grieg

Works

• Edvard Grieg (1843–1907)
  Violin Sonata no. 1 in F major, op. 8
  Violin Sonata no. 2 in G major, op. 13 

• Interval

• Edvard Grieg (1843–1907)
  Violin Sonata no. 3 in C minor, op. 45