2027 Festival opening ceremony

Folktale

The opening ceremony of the 75th Bergen International Festival includes the world premiere of Folktale, a new commissioned work. 

Seven speakers from seven generations share their thoughts on the times we’re in and their expectations for the future. What will they have seen when they’re 75? This work celebrates difference and connection across generations.

The idea came to British artist Richard Gregory as he stood in the crowd at the 2026 Festival opening ceremony.

'Standing in the audience listening to the speeches, I found myself wondering what the people around me might say if they were the ones on stage,' says Gregory.

Real stories

Folktale is created by Richard Gregory and scenographer Simon Banham. The same artistic team created What Is the City but the People?, which opened the Festival in 2023.

That year, more than 150 people walked a long yellow catwalk across Festplassen, presenting themselves and their stories to an audience of 3500. Press and public alike were moved, some to tears. In 2027, seven people of all ages will have their chance to speak.

Old song made new

Sound, composition and moving images are woven through the work. An old folk song surfaces in different guises during and between speeches and images. The music is performed by musical director and arranger Lars Andreas Aspesæter and his band. Chorus master Håkon Matti Skrede leads the choir, and the evening's soloists include Berit Opheim, Einar Selvik and Mira Thiruchelvam.

About the 2027 opening ceremony

On Wednesday 26 May, the opening ceremony will take place in the evening at Festplassen, following the Jubilee concert with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and Leif Ove Andsnes in Grieghallen. The time of the opening ceremony will be announced at a later date. The event is free and open to all.

The opening ceremony will feature the performance Folktale, as well as speeches, the traditional singing of Nystemten and the Norwegian national anthem Ja, vi elsker.

The event marks the beginning of the 75th Bergen International Festival. To celebrate the anniversary, the Festival has been extended from 15 to 18 days, featuring music and performing arts across hundreds of events throughout the city.

Photo at top: Thor Brødreskift