Festival + Brann = true

'The Bergen International Festival and Brann have a lot in common: We have a huge passion for what we do and a strong commitment from the people of Bergen, we attract criticism like magnets, and we share a musical foundation: Nystemten. I look forward to watching Brann beat Sandefjord on our home turf and to hearing Marius Neset in a somewhat different arena to Grieghallen and the Royal Albert Hall', says festival director Lars Petter Hagen.

The match between Brann and Sandefjord on Monday, 8 May, has been dubbed the 'festival match'. The collaboration will be highlighted before and during the match, and the famous saxophonist and Brann supporter Marius Neset will perform Brann-related music before the team enters. Hopefully, there will also be some sporty festival celebrations on the pitch!

‘To watch Brann play is a bit like playing a concert; you enter your own bubble and remain inside until it ends. Time and space do not exist; everything is about one thing. Performing a concert is about creating a story which, at its best, can leave deep impressions. This is how I feel about Brann matches, too', says Neset, adding that both Brann and the Bergen International Festival have been significant parts of his upbringing.

The Bergen International Festival and Brann both also collaborate with another well-known and proud institution of this city; the Bergens Tidende newspaper. With a Bergens Tidende (BT) subscription, you can buy 2-for-1 tickets at Brann Stadion and receive a 25 % discount on most Bergen International Festival events. Regular tickets for the football match can be purchased here.

Later in May, Brann will visit the festival during a free event at Torgallmenningen on Sunday, 29 May, and will also be present during the Festival's opening ceremony on Wednesday, 24 May.