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 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.