Bjarte Eike

Baroque violinist Bjarte Eike pushes the boundaries of classical music, constantly looking for new projects in the borderland of genres and reaching out to new audiences with his infectious playing and style.

As the Artistic Director of Barokksolistene, he has created new and innovative programmes including the critically acclaimed Alehouse Sessions which explores 17th century music from the pubs and alehouses in England and which continues to play to sell-out audiences throughout Europe.

As a freelance violinist he explores alternative ways of approaching classical music. Although rooted in Historically Informed Performance practice he strives to include other artistic aspects in his performances, using visual arts, dance, story-telling and improvisation. Major collaborations include Handel’s Alcina at the Norwegian National Opera, Vespertine with choreographer Liam Scarlett, a staged Messiah with Netia Jones for Bergen National Opera at the Bergen International Festival and recordings and concerts with jazz pianist Jon Balke, including as part of the Siwan project which explores the links between North African Arabic, Andalusian and baroque music.

Eike received his training from the Grieg Academy in Bergen, Norway and with Richard Gwilt in London. He teaches baroque violin at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo and as a guest-teacher at the Royal Danish Music Conservatory in Copenhagen.