BIT20 Ensemble
BIT20 Ensemble is a contemporary music ensemble from Bergen, Norway, founded in 1989 for the purpose of performing and advancing Norwegian and international art music.
During its history, BIT20 Ensemble has performed more than 400 works. It has also served as an important platform for new music, with over 100 original works that have been commissioned and premiered internationally. Promoting children’s interest in music and art is an important objective for the BIT20 Ensemble, which in 2007 involved several thousand children in educational projects. Modern opera is also a fundamental sphere of the BIT20 Ensemble’s activities. Since the start of its collaborations with Opera Vest and later Den Nye Opera, the BIT20 Ensemble has participated in more than 20 operas. The BIT20 Ensemble has released 25 CD recordings.
Awards
In 2005 the BIT20 Ensemble was nominated for the Nordic Council’s Music Prize and Danish Music Awards-Classical. In 2003 the ensemble was given an honorary prize by the Norwegian Performing Rights Organisation TONO for its outstanding role in presenting Norwegian Music abroad. In 1993 the ensemble was hailed as Performer of the Year by the Norwegian Society of Composers for its promotion of Norwegian contemporary music.
Musicians
- Flute: Ingela Øien
- Oboe: Sveinung Birkeland
- Clarinet: Håkon Nilsen
- Bassoon: Oddmund Økland
- horn: Ragnhild Lothe
- Trumpet: Gary Peterson
- Trombone: John-Arild Suther
- Piano: Jarle Rotevatn
- Violin / Concertmaster: Sveinung Lillebjerka
- Violin: Jutta Morgenstern
- Viola: Hans Gunnar Hagen
- Cello: Agnese Rugevica
- Bass: Janne Johansson
- Percussion: Peter Kates
- Percussion: Trond Madsen