On 27 September 1919, a new orchestra took to the stage of the old Logan Hall in Oslo to give its first public concert. After forty years of making-do, the Norwegian capital had at last got the orchestra it deserved. The Oslo Philharmonic was born. Soon, world famous musicians were coming to conduct it, relishing its youth and enthusiasm. Jean Sibelius and Igor Stravinsky visited Oslo to coach the musicians through brand new music. Over the next half-century, the Oslo Philharmonic’s reputation grew steadily. Then, in 1979, it changed forever. Under Mariss Jansons, the Oslo orchestra became a rival to the great Philharmonics of Vienna, Berlin and New York. In 1986, EMI drew up the largest orchestral contract in its history, ensuring the world would hear the rich, visceral sound of the Oslo Philharmonic. Three decades later and the world is still listening. The Oslo Philharmonic retains its spirit of discovery and its reputation for finesse. Under Jukka-Pekka Saraste it cultivated even more the weight and depth that Jansons had instilled; under Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko, it worked at the highest levels of detail and style. From August 2020 the outstanding young Finn Klaus Mäkelä took over as chief conductor. (Bio by Andrew Mellor)