Welcome to the opening of the 72nd Bergen International Festival!
The 2024 Bergen International Festival begins with a large free event at Torgallmenningen.
The opening ceremony marks the beginning of 15 days of diverse experiences for thousands of people both on, in front of and behind the stage. Inspired by Mahler's Symphony No. 8 – also called the "Symphony of a Thousand" – the opening ceremony will present many voices and collaborators. The day's programme includes artistic elements and speeches.
The guest list includes you, the prime minister, the mayor, school pupils, pensioners, artists of all kinds – and the entire city of Bergen and the surrounding area!
Photo: Thor Brødreskift
Edvard Grieg (1843–1907)
Kulokk, op. 62
Trad., arr. Håkon Matti Skrede
Eg å Laien
Poem by Priya Bains
En yrende mainatt
Edvard Grieg (1843–1907)
I Dovregubbens hall In the hall of the Mountain king, from Peer Gynt, op. 23, act 2
Arr. Duke Ellington/adapted by Michael Barnes
Edvard Grieg (1843–1907)
Solveigs sang Solveig's song, from Peer Gynt, op. 23, act 4
Arr. Duke Ellington/Håkon Matti Skrede
Speech by prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre
Edvard Grieg (1843–1907)
Anitras dans Anitra's dance, from Peer Gynt, op. 23, act 4
Arr. Duke Ellington
Gustav Mahler (1860–1911)
Chorus Mysticus
Arr. Michael Barnes/Helge Lilletvedt
Speech by mayor Marit Warncke
Ja, vi elsker (Norwegian national anthem)
M: Rikard Nordraak (1842–1866)
T: Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson (1832–1910)
Arr. Reid Gilje
Nystemten (Udsigter fra Ulriken)
M: Johan Halvorsen (1864–1935), Jean-Babtiste Lully (1632–1687)
Arr. Svein Henrik Giske
0–99
Performed in Norwegian
Erik Ulfsby direction
Priya Bains lyricist
Vidar Magnussen host
Håkon Matti Skrede choir master
Bergen Big Band
Jennica Mariyampillai text reader
Choir from the Music Line at Langhaugen school, the singing class from the Grieg Academy, children from the Culture School in Bergen and the folk choir
Torgallmenningen, Festallmenningen