1B1

1B1 is a progressive string ensemble founded in 2008. It unites musicians teaching at the University of Stavanger, their most accomplished students, and members of the distinguished Stavanger Symphony Orchestra. 1B1’s founder and artistic leader is violinist Jan Bjøranger, whose vision for 1B1 is to become a new powerhouse for music in Norway, to increase the size of the classical music audience, to enhance the learning environment for music, as well as creating an ambitious and independent ensemble at an international level.
 
Rooted in the tradition of classical music and youthful energy, often in collaboration with soloists of the highest quality, 1B1 explores all kinds of musical genres. In its short existence, the ensemble has already collaborated with such outstanding performers and composers as Arvo Pärt, Clemens Hagen, Benjamin Schmid, Steve Reich, Tonu Kaljuste and Lars Anders Tomter. 1B1 has received a Norwegian Grammy for the «Holberg Variations» album, and was chosen as the first recipient of a major grant from Talent Norge AS (Talent Norway).
 
1B1 is currently enjoying great success abroad, especially in New York, where the ensemble has performed with international stars like opera singer Renée Fleming, composer and Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche and the best-selling pianist Simone Dinnerstein, in front of audiences that included famous cultural figures like Salman Rushdie, Helena Christensen and David Byrne. 1B1 has also performed several pieces written especially for them by leading contemporary composers.

June 2016