Tour Dates: 21 Aug - 1 Sep, 2008

Birgitte Staernes - Violin
Martin Haug - Guitar

A Corda was established in 1997, and “Fuego”, with spanish and latin-american music, was their debut CD. Their concerts during these few years have aroused public interest both in Norway as England, France and U.S.A.. The repertoire spans the time from the baroque period to contemporary music, including original works for the instruments, as well as the arrangements and the compositions of Martin Haug. A Corda has received brilliant reviews and warm public response for their concerts and CDs.. “Con Amore “ is their second CD, released october 2003, and presenting serenades from the classic period. Again, the reviews are brilliant.

Birgitte Staernes, violin, has studied with prof. Isaac Shuldman. Both her concert debut in 1991 and her diploma graduation from The Norwegian State Academy in 1996 were rewarded the superlatives of a master. Birgitte Staernes won 1st. Prize in the Rotterdam International Violin Competition, in addition she won the Yamaha Prize for strings (1992) and a State Scholarship (1998). She has an impressive international merit, and her debut CD presenting the works by Christian Sinding won critic’s acclaim. I 2002 she released her second CD, presenting contemporary works written by composer Terje Rypdal. Her debut in Wigmore Hall May 2003 received stunning reviews.

Martin Haug, guitar, has studied with prof. Erik Stenstadvold at The Norwegian State Academy of Music. In 1979, he took his instrumental diploma, in 1980 he received excellent reviews for his instrumental debut. Since then he has given concerts in Europe, Asia, South-America and the USA. Together with Erik Stenstadvold, he has released two CDs, arousing international interest. The first CD was voted ”Record of the year” by the renowned Italian magazine ”Il Fronnimo”. Martin Haug has received a State Scholarship, and a number of smaller scholarships for international study.