Will play his final concerts on a historic master violin in Valdres

Tønnesen is recognised as one of Norway’s leading violinists and concertmasters, and for several decades he has been a central figure in Norwegian musical life. He made his debut in Oslo in 1972, continued his studies in Norway and in Bern, and has since built an extensive international career. For many years, he served both as concertmaster and artistic director of the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, while also holding the position of principal concertmaster with the Oslo Philharmonic.

Throughout his career, he has collaborated with some of the world’s foremost musicians, including Mstislav Rostropovich, Maurice André and James Galway, and has performed on stages around the world. At the same time, he has been an important communicator of music in Norway – both within the classical repertoire and in encounters with other genres.

That Tønnesen is now coming to Valdres sommersymfoni for the first time makes the visit all the more special. And as this also marks the end of his time with the rare Guadagnini violin, the concerts take on a distinct additional dimension. The audience will experience an artist at the height of a long career – in dialogue with a historic instrument that has accompanied him for many years.

Bach's Heritage

Tapas! – A Fiesta at Nythun

Closing Concert: Eight Seasons

Bringing such a chapter to a close within the setting of Valdres sommersymfoni lends the concerts a particular weight, making this a unique opportunity for audiences to experience both the performer and the instrument in one final, united expression.