Lars Petter Hagen announced as Director of the Bergen International Festival

‘The Bergen International Festival is a beacon among the festivals of the world. I am eager to build on the great work done through almost 70 years to create an extraordinary and singular Festival that combines tradition and renewal with a basis in the unique arts scene and international orientation of Bergen,’ says new Festival director Lars Petter Hagen.

Lars Petter Hagen (born 1975) is a composer, a curator and has held a number of leading positions at Norwegian cultural institutions. His most recent roles are as Head of Development at the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra and Chair of Arts Council Norway, and he has previously been the leader of the Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival, the Ny Musikk Society and Nordic Music Days. As a composer he has written works for some of the world’s leading orchestras, and has won prizes including the Arne Nordheim’s Composer’s prize and two Norwegian Grammy awards. He is also a writer, mentor and lecturer.

Lars Petter Hagen will begin his four-year term as Festival director on 1 May 2022.

‘The director of the Bergen International Festival is responsible for one of Norway’s most important cultural institutions. After a thorough recruitment process, I’m confident that we have found the very best candidate for the job. With a diverse background in both his artistic work as an internationally recognized composer and extensive experience from a number of arts and music institutions, Lars Petter Hagen is a sterling artistic and administrative leader who will continue to develop the Festival in the upcoming years,’ says chairman of the board Thorhild Widvey.

The 70th edition of the Bergen International Festival opens 25 May 2022 and lasts until 8 June. So far about 40 events have been launched.

Read more about Lars Petter Hagen.