The Engegård Quartet offers you the opportunity to experience a weekend-long immersion into Bartók’s unique sound world, taking place in the heart of Oslo. 7 concerts, 3 days, 1 venue. Hungarian folk music, Bartók’s biggest influence, will be at the core of the på 123 festival, highlighted by an evening concert by the world-renowned Hungarian folk music band Muzsikás.
Bartók’s skilled incorporation of folk tunes and modes into his own experimental harmonies and irregular rhythmical patterns, makes him one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. Many of his chamber music masterpieces will be performed at the festival, such as his celebrated 6 string quartets, his epic violin, clarinet and piano trio Contrasts, and his virtuosic 1st violin and piano sonata. There will be the chance to hear some of Bartók’s contribution to choral music, including his Five Slovak Folksongs. We will also explore the music of two of his closest friends; Kodály and Dohnányi. Kodály and Bartók shared their passion for folk music and took various trips together collecting folk tunes and field recordings from around the world.
The festival is hosted, as always, by the Engegård Quartet, and will bring an impressive array of artists to Oslo:
Arcadia Quartet, violinist Yukari Ohno, pianist Nils Anders Mortensen, clarinettist Björn Nyman, choir Schola Cantorum and Hungarian folk music band Muszikás. Read more about the artists.
Bartók was a keen educator and composed many works for young musicians, some of which will be performed in the festival’s children concert by the young Nordberg String Orchestra. Also throughout the festival, there will be several appearances from Den mangfaldige scenen, a creative children and youth theatre group.
På 123’s home is Nynorskens hus, a real gem of a hall for chamber music, right at the centre of Oslo. The audience comes right up close to the musicians, while the sound is rich and warm. There will be tea, coffee and cake throughout the festival, creating a relaxed and open atmosphere.
Nynorskens hus, Rosenkrantzgate 8, 0159 Oslo
You are able to buy tickets for each individual concert, or you can purchase a festival pass at a very reasonable price, which will also offer you a 15% discount at the local hotel, Hotel Bondeheimen.
The Engegård Quartet has been directing and hosting the classical minifestival “1-2-3...” since 2016 when they started with 1-2-3 Schumann.
