Tanja Orning: Hardanger ‘cello

About this event

Tanja Orning is recognized as one of Norway’s most innovative and experimental contemporary musicians. Her musical practice unfolds at the intersection of classical tradition, contemporary music, improvisation, and interdisciplinary art forms, making her a central force on the Norwegian contemporary music scene. Tanja will perform on a Hardanger ‘cello, a rare and innovative instrument with sympathetic strings that create a unique resonance and timbre. The construction of these cellos is relatively new, and only a few exist in the world, making it a distinctive and innovative addition to the ‘cello family. A larger size of the traditional Norwegian Hardanger fiddle (Hardingfele), the Hardanger ‘cello incorporates the fiddle’s characteristic sympathetic strings, which vibrate in harmony with the played notes, adding a rich, shimmering texture to the sound. The Hardanger fiddle is a traditional Norwegian instrument known for its intricate design, resonant tone, and use in folk music. Tanja will perform her own music. With a passion for pushing the boundaries of ‘cello performance, technically, physically, and artistically, Orning has realized numerous exploratory projects, ranging from the solo format CELLOTRONICS to collaborations in ensembles such as asamisimasa (winners of the Spellemann Award in 2012 and 2015), and duo partnerships with Helga Myhr, Ayumi Tanaka, Christian Wallumrød, Victor Bomstad, Eivind Lønning and Natasha Barrett. Her previous collaborations include Kyberia Duo, Ametri String Quartet, Dr. Ox Duo, Christian Wallumrød Ensemble, Sigurd Hole’s Roraima, Andreas Ulvo’s Vindall, Hedvig Mollestad (commissioned work for Molde Jazz Festival), Boa Trio, and the band Wunderkammer. She has premiered over 200 works, including cello concertos by Lene Grenager, Bente Leiknes Thorsen, and Mark Adderley, and has collaborated with prominent composers and musicians both nationally and internationally. Orning is also an active improviser, and her own compositions have been performed at festivals such as Ultima, Borealis, Tonehimmel, and Dark Music Days in Reykjavik. With a strong interest in interdisciplinarity, Orning has created projects in collaboration with dramaturgs and choreographers, such as “Ensemble Studies” (2021) and the choreographic concert “Moving Cellist” (2023), which explore the borderland between sound and movement. Her new project “Cello Musique Concrete” premiered at Ultima 2026. She teaches contemporary music at the Norwegian Academy of Music (PhD, “The Polyphonic Performer”, 2014).