The Norwegian Radio Orchestra (Norwegian: Kringkastingsorkestret, KORK) is a Norwegian orchestra affiliated with the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (Norsk rikskringkasting AS, or NRK). Its principal base is the Store Studio at the NRK headquarters in Oslo.
The KORK was founded in 1946 as a 24-member orchestra, from ensembles previously led by Øivind Bergh and Gunnar Knudsen. Øivind Bergh served as the KORK's first principal conductor from 1946 to 1976. The KORK initially secured its reputation in performances of entertainment music and light classics. Sverre Bruland, the KORK's second principal conductor from 1976 to 1988, established the orchestra’s commitment to presenting contemporary Norwegian music.
As of 2011, the KORK consists of 53 musicians. The current principal conductor of the KORK is Thomas Søndergård, as of the 2009-2010 season, with responsibility for a minimum of 6 concerts per year.[1] Søndergård is scheduled to conclude his tenure with the KORK after the 2011-2012 season.[2] The KORK's current principal guest conductor is Andrew Manze, since 2008. The KORK's current administrator is Rolf Lennart Stensø.
The KORK has recorded commercially for such labels as Pro Musica, Bridge Records, and Finlandia. In addition to concerts and commercial recordings, the orchestra performs every year at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert. The KORK has also worked in areas of popular music, such as providing backing to the Eurovision Song Contest in Norway in 1986 and 1996, as well as various activities in rock and jazz.