As the Artistic Director of Barokksolistene, he has created new and innovative programmes including The Early Joke; a journey through musical history exploring different aspects of humour and music; The Image of Melancholy dealing with sad songs and emotions through renaissance, folk and experimental music and the critically acclaimed Alehouse Sessions which explores 17th century music from the pubs and alehouses in England and which continues to play to sell-out audiences throughout Europe. Commercial recordings include The Image of Melancholy for BIS and The Alehouse Sessions on Rubicon Classics, the latter being awarded with the German Opusklassik prize in 2018.
As a freelance violinist he explores alternative ways of approaching classical music. Although rooted in Historically Informed Performance practice he strives to include other artistic aspects in his performances, using visual arts, dance, storytelling and improvisation. Major collaborations include Handel’s Alcina at the Norwegian National Opera, Vespertine with choreographer Liam Scarlett, a staged Messiah with Netia Jones at the Bergen International Festival and recordings and concerts with jazz pianist Jon Balke, including as part of the Siwan project which explores the links between North African Arabic, Andalusian and baroque music. This broad, unifying approach to music, as well as a desire to curate exhilarating new experiences for audiences has led to him being invited to be Artist-in-Residence at festivals for early music, classical music, folk music, experimental music and jazz and as a conductor he is increasingly in demand for play-direct engagements with major symphony orchestras.
Eike received his training from the Grieg Academy in Bergen, Norway and with Richard Gwilt in London. He teaches baroque violin at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo and as a guest-teacher at the Royal Danish Music Conservatory in Copenhagen.