The Cikada Ensemble was founded in Oslo in 1989, and has from the very outset consisted of flute, clarinet, piano, percussion, string quintet and conductor Christian Eggen.

As permanent members, the ten Cikadas have created a strong ensemble identity as well as developed their highly acclaimed profile on the international contemporary music scene. Audiences and press often talk about ‘the Oslo sound’ of the ensemble – a sound synonymous with a fresh, vibrant, warm and virtuosic interpretation of a consciously selected, contemporary repertoire.

The Cikada musicians also form three formations within the group: The Cikada String Quartet, the Cikada Trio (flute, clarinet, piano) and the Cikada Duo (piano, percussion) work as independent units, adding to the ensemble’s dynamic and diverse identity.

Though the Cikada Ensemble, in their own words “play music!” they are no alien to mixed media concerts when the programming demands it. In fact the ensemble also likes a theatrical element in their concerts, an element that can be achieved both through cross collaborations – and through improvisation.

The concerts by Cikada Ensemble resulted in the following resource:

An informal meeting with an unusual composer

The Cikada Ensemble gave a concert with a programme consisting entirely of works by composer Carola Bauckholt. The setting was quite untraditional as the concert unfolded at a 700 year old fortress in the centre of Oslo. Playing in different halls of the fortress, the ensemble led the audience through the mazes of hallways connecting the venues, enhancing the wholeness of the experience. This document in brief describes the concept of the concert.