The Bergen International Festival has a long tradition of creating a stage for young artists. Now, all of these initiatives are gathered under the name Festival Academy of Bergen, or Festspillakademiet i Bergen, (FAB).

During the 2025 Festival there will be concerts featuring young artists, music by young composers, and a range of masterclasses and mentorship programmes across various genres. Many of these events are open to the public, while others are reserved exclusively for FAB participants.

'The Festival is a meeting place, both on and around the stage. At the Festival Academy of Bergen, young artists can share and gain new experiences, develop artistically, and be inspired by encounters with international artists, while the audience gets the chance to discover exciting new names,' says Festival Director Lars Petter Hagen.

An annual meeting point

Norwegian artists such as Leif Ove Andsnes, Lise Davidsen, Christian Ihle Hadland, and Amalie Stalheim have all performed at the Bergen International Festival early in their careers.

'It is crucial that the Festival includes young and unknown voices in its programme. It is an investment in the future, both artistically and in terms of audience development,' says Hagen.

During the nearly 75-year history of the Festival, there have been numerous talent initiatives. By gathering everything under one name, Hagen aims to create more synergies and collaborations:

'When many strong forces work together, we can achieve something extraordinary. I believe that together with our many great partners, we can establish the Festival Academy as an important and inspiring annual meeting point for young artists in music and other art forms.'

Preserving and developing the cultural heritage

On this page, you will find an overview of public FAB events that are part of the broader Festival program, as well as a series of activities for invited FAB artists and students. FAB participants will also be invited to social gatherings during the Festival.

You can register for a dedicated newsletter for FAB-related information, which will be sent out a couple times a year.

'In the cultural city of Bergen we are known for supporting each other, and with the Festival Academy we will both honour and continue that tradition. We invest in young artists because we want a vibrant art and culture scene in the future, says the Festival Director.

Programme for invited FAB participants 2026

A number of concerts will also be added on the free outdoor stage at the Festival square, along with information about social meeting places.

Follow the links in the list to read more about the various open events that are on sale.

Subject to change.

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Wednesday 27 May

The Festival’s opening day with opening ceremony and opening concert featuring Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.

There are also Piano masterclasses with Prof. Jiri Hlinka Piano Academy 25-27 May

Thursday 28 May

11:00 Conducting masterclass with Esa-Pekka Salonen and Dirigentløftet

13:00 Masterclass concert with Prof. Jiri Hlinka Piano Academy in Universitetsaulaen

Friday 29 May

12:00 Drop-in concert in Spissen, Grieghallen

Saturday 30 May

12:00 Drop-in concert in Spissen, Grieghallen

15:00 Concert: Norwegian National Youth Orchestra's chamber ensemble at Universitetsaulaen

15:00 Drop-in concert in Spissen, Grieghallen

Social event for FAB participants

Sunday 31 May

12:00 Drop-in concert in Spissen, Grieghallen

17:00 Concert: Amalie Stalheim with young string players in Scene 2, Det Vestnorske Teateret

19:00 Concert: Nordic Wind Orchestra at Universitetsaulaen

Monday 1 June

12:00 Drop-in concert in Spissen, Grieghallen

19:00 Concert: Clara Yuna Friedensburg with Ole Christian Haagenrud at Gamlehaugen

Tuesday 2 June

12:00 Drop-in concert in Spissen, Grieghallen

15:00 Drop-in concert in Spissen, Grieghallen

19:00 Concert: Nikita Khnykin at Gamlehaugen

Wednesday 3 June

12:00 Drop-in concert in Spissen, Grieghallen

15:00 Drop-in concert in Spissen, Grieghallen

19:00 Concert: Olga Melby Larsson with Nikita Khnykin at Gamlehaugen

Thursday 4 June

12:00 Drop-in concert in Spissen, Grieghallen

19:00 Concert: Ariane Jebsen Alvestad with Nikita Khnykin at Gamlehaugen

Friday 5 June

12:00 Drop-in concert in Spissen, Grieghallen

15:00 Drop-in concert in Spissen, Grieghallen

19:00 Concert: BIT20 Ensemble with world premieres of works by Premiere composers Jonas Skaarud and Martin Hirsti-Kvam, with soloist Olga Melby Larsson, in Korskirken

19:00 Concert: Maya Broman Crawford-Phillips & Sebastian Egebakken Svenøy at Gamlehaugen

Saturday 6 June

12:00 Drop-in concert in Spissen, Grieghallen

15:00 Drop-in concert in Spissen, Grieghallen

15:00 Concert: Maya Broman Crawford-Phillips & Sebastian Egebakken Svenøy at Bullahuset, Valestrand

Sunday 7 June

12:00 Concert: Monbijou Quartet with soloist Maya Broman Crawford-Phillips at Bullahuset, Valestrand

Questions about Festival Academy of Bergen (FAB)?

Send an email to fab@fib.no