Oslo Sinfonietta grew out of contemporary music circles at the Norwegian Academy of Music . It was founded in 1986 by composer Asbjørn Schaatun and since 1993 it has been organised as a pool of musicians comprising approximately 40 outstanding performers from the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra , the Norwegian State Opera Orchestra, the Norwegian Radio (NRK) Orchestra and the freelance milieu. This open concept allows for a variety of instrumental combinations and choice of repertoire. Oslo Sinfonietta is a forum for innovative music, showcases important works composed during this century and has commissioned and premièred a number of new works by both Norwegian and foreign composers. It has held a number of concerts in Oslo, is one of the founders of the ULTIMA Oslo Contemporary Music Festival (see ULTIMA Oslo Contemporary Music Festival) and has made several tours abroad.