As the first reviews come in from the Norwegian press, Leif Ove Andsnes’ brand-new festival in Rosendal is hailed as a resounding success. Norway’s Aftenposten wrote “With the new hall and Andsnes’ impetus and stardom, the Rosendal Chamber Music Festival has got off to a flying start. This first festival has been sold out since January, and there is reason to believe that it has what it takes to become a new powerhouse in the Norwegian – maybe also the international – chamber music world… In his first year in tiny Rosendal, Andsnes has cultivated a focused programme which goes straight to the heart. The theme is 1828 – it is the year of Franz Schubert’s death, and a goldmine of music that has a firm grip on the audience. The opening concert in the newly rebuilt Riddersalen focused on some of Schubert’s most beautiful works: the monumental string quartet “Death and the Maiden”, and the heartbreaking song cycle Schwanengesang. The rest of the weekend is as full of greats – for Schubert enthusiasts among us it is just fun from beginning to end.”
Despite torrential rain and several lost luggage claims, the atmosphere of Rosendal has entranced musicians and visitors alike. “With its remote location, splendid surroundings, quality-conscious programming and team of musicians” the Rosendal Chamber Music Festival spirit is riding high.
Matthias Goerne and Leif Ove Andsnes
Photo credit: Liv Øvland