Henning Kraggerud

Norwegian violinist Henning Kraggerud is co-Artistic Director of the Risør Festival of Chamber Music, succeeding Leif Ove Andsnes in 2011. In 2012, Henning became Artistic Director of the Tromsø Chamber Orchestra.

Henning’s début at Hollywood Bowl, with Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2012, was hailed as “the high point of the night. It was Mozart as, one suspects, Mozart himself would have wanted it played”. Other highlights include début at the 2010 BBC Proms, acclaimed performances with Philharmonia Orchestra in 2012 and at Carnegie Hall in 2009, as well as collaborations with renowned orchestras such as London Philharmonic, Hallé, Oslo Philharmonic, Toronto and Cincinnati symphonies. He performed with Britten Sinfonia as play/director on three international tours together. In 2010, Henning premiered the Munch Suite for Solo Violin, which consisted of new pieces inspired by Edvard Munch and were performed in dialogue with the paintings themselves.

Henning performs many of his own compositions, arrangements and cadenzas in concert. Also an accomplished improviser, his 2012 album “Last Spring” with jazz pianist Bugge Wesseltoft, exploring improvisations on Norwegian folk music, was name 5-star Editor’s Choice by Classical Music Magazine. He also won a Spellemann CD award, and received the Ole Bull Prize in 2007. Henning performs in chamber concerts both on violin and viola at major festivals and venues, including performances at Verbier Festival with Joshua Bell and Martha Argerich.

A recipient of the prestigious Grieg Prize and Sibelius Prize, Henning Kraggerud plays on a 1744 Guarneri del Gesu, provided by Dextra Musica AS.