Henning Kraggerud announced as Artistic Partner of the Irish Chamber Orchestra
We are delighted to announce Henning Kraggerud as the new Artistic Partner of the Irish Chamber Orchestra. Currently on his third tour with the renowned Irish Orchestra, the violinist/violist, director, and composer will take on this three-year tenure in August 2025, following a legacy of renowned artistic collaborators.
In March 2022, Kraggerud made his debut with the ICO in a programme which highlighted music from his native Norway, captivating both the musicians and audiences alike. Kraggerud will join the ICO in a series of concerts in Dublin, Limerick, and Newport-Mayo on 10-12 April where he will offer re-interpretations of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons interpolated with his own folkloric-inspired compositions. His curated programmes for the ICO often blend and bring together Irish and Norwegian traditions to create a unique partnership across Northern Europe.
In addition to his new role with the ICO, Henning Kraggerud serves as the Artistic Director of the Arctic Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra in Tromsø. He is a Professor of Violin and Viola at the Norwegian Academy of Music, where he also teaches improvisation. Additionally, he serves as International Chair of Violin and a fellow at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.
A highly respected figure in the classical music world, his extensive discography has earned widespread acclaim.
Henning Kraggerud has said: “From the outset, my collaboration with ICO has been exceptionally fulfilling due to the warmth and sincerity I’ve experienced from the players and team. ICO is so open to exploring new ways of performing and rehearsing, including movement, dance, choreographic elements, and innovative programming, as well as meeting the audience through interactive experiences. Our work together has had a profound impact on me, and I’m excited to develop our relationship, nurturing ties with communities, inspiring each other’s creativity, and celebrating Ireland’s rich cultural heritage and its people. We hope to create new opportunities between the Arctic Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra and ICO, at a time when intercultural ties are becoming so important. Ireland and Norway, as west-facing regions of Europe, can benefit from each other and present exciting possibilities for us. My three times Great Grandmother was Irish and touring with ICO has made me feel so much more than just 1/32nd Irish”.
The ICO’s CEO, Gerry Keenan, is “delighted Henning Kraggerud will join our ICO family as Artistic Partner. Henning has consistently demonstrated his exceptional ability to connect with our audiences across Ireland, inspiring and delighting with every performance. His warm approach to music-making is rooted in a profound love for the music itself, and his deep desire to share that passion with our musicians and audiences is obvious. Each concert with Henning at the helm is an unforgettable experience, and we look forward to sharing many more extraordinary performances with him in the years to come.”
Liz Nolan for RTE Lyric FM
Henning explores the importance of cross-cultural relationships between Ireland and Norway, along with the need for art and music-making in the modern world.
RTE Radio 1’s Sean Rocks
Henning discusses the relationship between his own compositions, Norwegian folk music, and classic works, among them Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, as well as sharing the secrets behind his surprise Irish heritage!