Lars Petter Hagen to Norwegian Opera & Ballet

after 2027 Festival

Festival Director Lars Petter Hagen has accepted the position of Managing Director of the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet. He will remain Festival Director until after the Bergen International Festival’s 75th anniversary in 2027.

– I was approached about a position that I see as a truly exceptional opportunity. I wasn’t looking for a new job, and this has been a difficult decision. I’m very proud of what we have achieved at the Bergen International Festival so far. Our ambition has been for art to matter to more people. That means both creating extraordinary artistic experiences and connecting the Festival with the city and the wider world. I look forward to continuing this work towards the 75th anniversary, says Lars Petter Hagen. 

Hagen took up the position of Festival Director in 2022. During his tenure, the Bergen International Festival has strengthened its collaboration with Bergen’s cultural sector, while attracting international artists and a broad audience. Festallmenningen at Torgallmenningen has brought an extensive free Festival programme to the heart of the city. In 2026, the Festival recorded more than 85,000 audience visits, the highest figure in ten years. An attendance rate of 87 per cent was the highest since the early 1990s. 

– Lars Petter has been committed to ensuring that the Festival combines high artistic ambitions with making a meaningful contribution to the lives of people in the city. Together with colleagues, artists and partners, he has strengthened the Festival’s role in Bergen and increased international attention around what is happening here. We would have liked to have kept him with us for longer, but we are delighted that he will remain through the anniversary Festival. The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet has recruited one of the very best, and I would like to congratulate both Lars Petter and the Opera, says Chair of the Board Thorhild Widvey. 

The Bergen International Festival celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2027. The anniversary edition will run for 18 days, from 26 May to 12 June. The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet will also take part in the anniversary programme, including Edvard Fliflet Bræin’s opera Anne Pedersdotter and Opera Chorus & Singalong, in collaboration with Bergen National Opera. 

– Our aim has been to preserve and renew strong artistic traditions, and to create a meeting place that brings people and ideas together. The 75th anniversary will be an important milestone, but above all the beginning of a new chapter. I look forward to seeing what comes next, says Hagen.