Joshua Bell
at the
Oslo Opera House

Nuanced Strokes on a Stradivarius 

The American virtuoso made his Carnegie Hall debut at just 17, and with nearly four decades on the world’s leading stages, he has performed with the foremost orchestras and conductors. His distinguished career includes performances for three U.S. presidents. 

Bell is known for his ability to breathe life into both classical masterpieces and contemporary compositions, making them accessible to a wide audience. He has released over 40 albums, earning numerous awards and accolades – including a Grammy for his recording of Maw’s Violin Concerto, and six Grammy nominations in total. 

His 1713 Stradivarius is like an extension of his own voice – and in the Opera House’s grand yet intimate hall, every subtle stroke is given space to shine. This is a rare opportunity to experience an artist at the height of his powers, in a concert that promises both technical mastery and emotional depth. 

Joining him on piano is Alasdair Beatson. 

Masterful Sonatas for Violin and Piano 

The evening’s programme features works by Schubert, Grieg, and Prokofiev – a meeting of virtuosity and profound musical expression. 

Schubert’s Violin Sonata in A major, often referred to as the “Grand Duo”, was composed in 1817. It bears a more individual character than his earlier three sonatinas, which were clearly inspired by Mozart and Rossini. The sonata was published posthumously. 

Grieg’s Violin Sonata in C minor is considered a masterpiece of Romantic chamber music, and a highlight of the composer’s career. Written between 1886 and 1887, it blends elements of Norwegian folk music with the Romantic tradition. Grieg himself played the piano at its premiere in 1887, with Adolf Brodsky on violin. 

During World War II, several Soviet artists took refuge in the Ural Mountains. Sergei Prokofiev spent time there, working on his Violin Sonata No. 2 in D major, which was based on his Flute Sonata in D major. The violin passages are a virtuosic display, while the lyrical and elegant sections reflect the work’s origins as a flute composition. 

Schubert: Violin Sonata in A Major “Grand duo”, D574 
Grieg: Sonata no 3 in C Minor

Intermission

Prokofiev: Violin Sonata No 2 in D Major 
Works to be announced