Ensemble Allegria
Allegria (ital.) means a merriment and enjoyment, and indeed it was the pleasure of playing together that led a group of music students to launch the orchestra in 2007. Ensemble Allegria is considered among Norway´s leading music ensembles and are known for combining high artistic quality with spontaneity and flexibility. Ensemble Allegria is comprised of 23 musicians and since its beginning, the orchestra has been managed independently by its own members. Its permanent concertmaster and artistic director is Maria Angelika Carlsen.
In addition to its own concert series “NÅ” in Oslo, Ensemble Allegria has performed at a number of the leading music festivals in Norway and has collaborated with internationally known soloists, such as Tine Thing Helseth, Martin Fröst, Truls Mørk, Lawrence Power, Kathryn Stott and Benjamin Schmid. The orchestra has released 3 recordings, whereas two have been nominated for the Norwegian Grammy, and has for several years been engaged in projects in collaboration with the Norwegian Soloists’ Choir. In 2018 they received, together with The Norwegian Soloist Choir, Diapason d'or de l'année for Choir Record of the Year.