Eivind Ringstad
Viola
Eivind is a true viola star. When we announced him, fans emailed to thank us for the booking. No wonder he's Principal Viola of the London Symphony Orchestra.
About the Artist
One moment you're playing bass, then second voice, next the viola is the soloist. You have to stay in the background, but also be able to shine when needed.
Eivind Ringstad is one of Norway's foremost violists. Full stop. At 17, he won NRK's Virtuos competition and later took first prize at Eurovision Young Musicians, the first Norwegian ever to do so. Today he is Principal Viola of the London Symphony Orchestra and Professor at the Royal College of Music. A career most 31-year-olds can only dream of.
But it's not the titles that make Eivind special. It's the way he embraces his beloved instrument, often a bit overlooked in the grand orchestral context. The viola isn't something you choose because you weren't good enough at violin. It's an instrument with its own soul. Eivind reminds us why the viola is always present in the most iconic chamber music works.
He has performed with Janine Jansen, Steven Isserlis, and Leif Ove Andsnes, and co-directs his own Norsjø Chamber Music Festival in Telemark.
Now he's coming to Risør. We can't wait, and we know you can't either.
Concerts
Opening Concert
Tine Thing Helseth invites you to a spectacular opening with Haydn and Schumann, among others. Welcome to Risør Chamber Music Festival 2026!
Mari's Treasures
Close your eyes and picture this: Soprano Mari Eriksmoen in a summer dress in a lush green garden, her world-renowned voice filling your entire heart.
Gold is forever
Quality music endures everything. You can tear and wear, twist and turn, take full liberties with the original - and the quality still shines through.
Back to the Future
What comes to mind when you hear Beethoven? That old classic we all "know" the sound of. You might just have to rethink that after this concert.
Invitation from Bibiche & Arnfinn
The good folks of Risør open their homes for your chamber music pleasure. Here you'll get up close and personal with the artists and the music.
Heart Strings
This year's closing concert is inspired by the emotional entanglements between several composers. We also invite the Festival Choir to Risør Church.
