Ensemble C4 is a baroque ensemble consisting of three musicians: Caroline Eidsten Dahl (recorder), Daniel Sæther (countertenor), and Ingrid Økland (violin). The ensemble is based in Oslo and Drammen and will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025. Their repertoire includes both early music and contemporary works, and they have developed several established concert productions that they have toured with for many years. With extensive concert experience and strong musical interplay, the ensemble has cultivated a playful and virtuosic style that delights audiences.
In January 2024, the ensemble released its debut album featuring music by G. F. Handel, including his Neun Deutsche Arien, on Lawo Classics. The album received high praise from critics, including Gramophone and Classical Music Daily.
In January 2025, the ensemble recorded its second album, We Love Telemann, featuring works by G. Ph. Telemann, which will be released in 2026.
In 2020, the members of Ensemble C4 contributed to Knut Vaage’s composition Vintersong, which was included on Daniel Sæther’s solo album “Vintersong” (2020, Lawo Classics). This project laid the foundation for three additional commissioned works, collectively titled “Tilstandar”, which were commissioned shortly after the recording and will premiere in Rosendal in 2025.
Ensemble C4 performs in a variety of different formations depending on the program. For this particular festival, they have assembled a group of musicians who are active on both the national and international baroque music scene in Europe.
Louis Vierne: Piano Quintet, op.42
Johan Dalene, Sonoko Miriam Welde (violins), Timothy Ridout (viola), Julia Hagen (cello), Leif Ove Andsnes (piano)
Interval
Arne Nordheim: From Three Unexpected Songs: 2. Ore, fermate il volo
Daniel Sæther (countertenor), “Ensemble C4”
Biagio Marini: Balletto secondo, op.22 no.2
«Ensemble C4»
Knut Vaage: “Opp av jorda” (Spring) (World première) text: Ruth Lillegraven
Daniel Sæther (countertenor), “Ensemble C4”
Valentin Silvestrov: Bagatelle no.2
Yulianna Avdeeva (piano)
Marin Marais: Pièces de viole
André Lislevand (viola da gamba), Jadran Duncumb (theorbo)
Jean-Marie Leclair: From Deuxième récréation de musique, op.8 - 6. Chaconne
«Ensemble C4»
Knut Vaage: “Hauste inn” (Autumn) (World première) text: Terje Tørrisplass
Daniel Sæther (countertenor), “Ensemble C4”
Dmitri Shostakovich: Viola Sonata, op.147
Timothy Ridout (viola), Leif Ove Andsnes (piano)
“Grand Finale in Three Parts”
Alesandro Scarlatti: Sinfonia di concerto grosso no.8 in G major
«Ensemble C4»
Edvard Grieg: From Six Romances, op.39
Mari Eriksmoen (soprano), James Baillieu (piano)
Henri Duparc: Three Songs
Eirik Grøtvedt (tenor), Yulianna Avdeeva (piano)
Geirr Tveitt: 3 Folk Tunes from Hardanger
Leif Ove Andsnes (piano)
Knut Vaage: “kom lindereid kom” (Summer) (World première) text: Erlend O. Nødtvedt
Daniel Sæther (countertenor), “Ensemble C4”
Interval
Felix Mendelssohn: String Octet in E-flat Major, op.20
Opus13 (String Quartet), Johan Dalene, Oda Holt Günther (violins), Timothy Ridout (viola), Julia Hagen (cello)
Interval
Antonio Vivaldi: Trio Sonata no.12 in D minor, RV 63 “Follia Variations”
«Ensemble C4»
Louis Andriessen: Workers Union
Festival musicians
