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Lesle, LutzIn the oil is music tooNorway's orchestras seize their moment of opportunitycategory: Essay published in: das Orchester 11/2008, Page 30 |
Since the early 1990s, Norway's orchestra scene has witnessed significant changes and departures. With eight professional ensembles the country is musically well provided, although only two are currently playing to international audiences. Musical powerhouse is the national Norske Opera in Oslo, whose ambitious new building will accommodate the opera, symphony orchestra, national ballet, opera choir and a professional children's choir. All ensembles are mainly funded through public money, sustained by Norway's petrol revenues. The country also maintains eight academies which offer high-quality education, although it has been argued that contemporary music is currently being neglected.