KATHMANDU: The Russian Centre of Science and Culture, Kamalpokhari was abuzz with Nepali and Norwegian tunes on September 25.

Performed by the Norwegian-Nepalese Chamber Orchestra, 13 repertoire of classical harmony were enthralling at the Nepal-Norway Orchestra Project 2015. It witnessed 40 musicians — 19 young Norwegian musicians and 18 Nepali musicians along with three Germans — under one roof who unleashed melodious music. The ensemble comprising five violas, seven cellos and one double bass and 27 violins produced harmonised sound catering amazing pieces.

Keeping the feel and melody of the songs intact but with classical harmony, Nepali tunes like Nau Lakh Tara, Rato Ra Chandra Surya, and Bajho Khet Ma were performed. They were a treat to the ears. More classical music was catered through Serenade of Edward Elgar, Crisantemi of Giacomo Puccini and Valse Triste. Moreover,

Norwegian music resounded at the venue. Works of great composer of Norway — Edvard Grieg were presented and it included Norsk, The First Meeting, In Folk Style and Cow-call and Peasant Dance.

“It was a great experience playing here. We were very excited when we came here,” Norwegain musician Carl Ninian Wika shared adding, “We realised that Nepali artistes play so good and they have a lot of enthusiasm. They really wanted to make a good concert and were so eager to learn.”

He also shared that he enjoyed playing Nepali tunes. As per him, “The style was new for me and had good arrangements for playing in orchestra. It was very fun to play them.”

For this musical project, the Norwegian musicians have come from different orchestras of Norway. They practiced for less than a week in Nepal.

Nepali musicians come from three orchestras of Nepal — Annapurna Chamber Orchestra, Crescendo International Orchestra and Kathmandu Youth Orchestra. They had a monthlong practice for the concerto.

“The concert turned out great, better than we had anticipated and planned. I enjoyed playing a lot and so did the other musicians who were very excited to play,” shared violinist Bidur Sharma Gautam, Instructor of Crescendo International Orchestra. He is one of the men behind the concert. The project was envisioned in 2013 and came to fruition in 2015.