Stavanger Symphony Orchestra has in recent years become one of the most successful orchestras in Scandinavia, achieving major artistic development and attracting an ever greater following, both nationally and internationally. This success is due in part to the fact that, in the autumn of 2012, the orchestra was able to move into a brand new concert hall, built to the highest European standards. The hall has been described as a “temple of music” by French pianist Helene Grimaud who took part in the opening gala performance in September 2012.
The Venezuelan conductor Christian Vasquez is the orchestra’s current Chief Conductor. Previous conductors to hold this position have been Steven Sloane and Susanna Mälkki.
Since the inaugural concert in August 2013, which included a highly acclaimed performance of Mahler’s symphony No. 2, Christian Vasquez and the orchestra have performed a wide range of repertoire and special projects. One such project will take place in the spring of 2017 when the celebrated Finnish composer Magnus Lindberg will be Composer in Residence for a festival of his music. The Stavanger Symphony Orchestra has won praise for success in expanding its audiences, and in particular for its work with the integration of refugees.
The orchestra has for the last 25 years had a particular focus on authentic performance practice of the Baroque and Classical repertoire, with Frans Brüggen, followed by Philippe Herreweghe and Fabio Biondi as artistic leaders. This collaboration has brought critical acclaim and international success for the orchestra and some highly acclaimed CD- recordings, receiving, amongst others, Diapasons (Biondi 2012 and 2014) and L’Orphées d’Or-Prix Special 2014 (Biondi). a The Stavanger Symphony Orchestra also received a Gramophone Awards nomination in 2012 for its recording of Per Nørgård’s music. a The orchestra tours regularly internationally, having performed in recent years in the US, Spain, Germany, Scandinavia and Japan. This current tour includes concerts in Moscow (Tchaikovsky Hall) and Amsterdam (Concertgebouw). a The orchestra’s patron is H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon of Norway.
