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Today – Café de Concert has become the atelier and concert gallery of the young and multitalented pianist and composer Aksel Kolstad. It took him 10 years to brand this concept and turn it into one of the most original and innovating classical concepts in the world. Here´s the story behind……

The Idea

The origin and still driving force behind Café de Concert is to present classical music to a larger audience. The genre has by no means the same appeal as pop, rock or jazz. Creating a more relaxed atmosphere, and not to forget Kolstad´s magical ability to present classical music with humor and showmanship, it all results in a more intimate and fun concert format than the traditional solemn style. The idea that classical music can once again become popular music, the way it once was, is the motivation behind the concept Café de Concert.

Classical concerts at cafés – Café de Concert recruits musicians, both students and professionals, to play classical music for the people. The goal is to stimulate as well as strengthen everyone’s interest in classical music. The level of musicianship is high, and with a relaxed, positive atmosphere, between the pieces, it is possible to have a cup of coffee, have something to eat or perhaps talk with the person sitting beside you.

Café de Concert is an arena for all creative arts. In addition to musical performances, there are regular arts exhibitions and ballet/modern dance performances directed by CdC.

The third opening in Café de Concert-history was without doubt the best of them all. Read more about Aksel´s new concert gallery here And here he is, as usual…very hard to catch on camera once is is on fire, here in front of his chamber orchestra, Strings of Norway!

On April 19th, the day after the grand opening, Aksel hosted and performed for another full house. This time as a private concert for a respected couple who flew in from London and invited lots of friends to the concert. A spectacular crowd!! 

And the Café de Concert legacy has now begun yet another chapter….!


Yo guys! Kolstad will be opening a new place for Café de Concert – 150 m2 right next to the Astrup Fernley Museum in Oslo (Tjuvholmen) on April 18th at 8 pm. Save the date, it will be a blast! BMW will be exhibiting a new car every month inside Café de Concert and there will be lots of cool photo and painting ehxibitions in HUGE dimensions in addition to lots of fun concerts. And yeah – Kolstad be hanging on the walls on the opening, of course :D


Café de Concert had the honor of introducing the wonderful artist painter Meriliis Rinne in Norway for the first time! With her came also her supercool pr agent Kelli Tudeberg. Kolstad performed some of his newest works for piano solo…and then the party started :) Was a full house! Feel free to pop in and take a look at the supercool exhibition, the paintings will blow you away:) Check out Merilii´s website here.