Ola Kvernberg and the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra (TSO) are joining forces for one final, full-throttle run of Steamdome in Trondheim. The project—which had its humble beginnings at the venue Blæst during the 2016 Jazzfest—has evolved over the course of three albums into a legendary epic, guaranteed to leave audiences both blown away and slack-jawed.

Steamdome III: Beyond The End premiered before an audience of over 3,000 in the Borggården courtyard during the 2023 Olavsfest, featuring the TSO; the subsequent album release in 2024 was met with great acclaim. This was followed by performances with the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, reaching audiences across the country—from north to south, east to west.

"There was thunder and crashing, but also beautiful, quiet orchestral textures," wrote Adresseavisen following the 2023 concert. The work showcases the TSO’s impressive range—from atmospheric, orchestral passages to heavy grooves and a full-blown rock-infused orchestral sound. That, in itself, is a remarkable achievement.

Ola Kvernberg has established himself as one of Norway’s most highly regarded jazz violinists and composers, though he is equally at home playing bluegrass, rock, string swing, and folk music, among other genres. A multi-instrumentalist of the highest caliber, Steamdome stands as one of his major musical endeavors—following Liarbird and Mechanical Fair, as well as his scores for Jag etter Vind and Flåklypa – fra Paris til pyramidene.

The band comprises some of the country’s finest musicians, with rhythm serving as the very backbone of Steamdome. Yet, the collaboration between the band and the orchestra remains a partnership of absolute equals. The orchestral musicians are not merely relegated to playing pleasant chords; rather, they are elevated to showcase musicality at an exceptionally high level.

Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera is one of the country’s major cultural institutions, with roots dating back to 1909. They perform a broad symphonic repertoire—ranging from the Baroque era to contemporary music—as well as film scores and popular concert programs, collaborating with renowned soloists and conductors of international stature.

Nick Davies made his symphonic debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1991, an ensemble with which he remains a guest conductor. He also serves as a guest conductor for the Norwegian Radio Orchestra (Kringkastingsorkesteret) and has built an extensive international career, working with acclaimed orchestras in Beijing, Hong Kong, Sydney, New York, and Gothenburg. He is also a frequent guest conductor for the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera.

Don’t miss this final opportunity to see Steamdome perform with a symphony orchestra in Trondheim, Thursday, March 11, at Olavshallen.

Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Nick Davies
Ola Kvernberg – fiddle, viola, keyboards, electronics
Nikolai Hængsle – bass, guitar, percussion
Øyvind Blomstrøm – guitars, lap steel
Daniel Formo – keyboards, electronics
Erik Nylander – percussion, drum machine
Olaf Olsen – drums
Tor Brevik – sound
Steffen Telstad – lighting