Opening ceremony

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

Programme

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

Recommended age

0–99

Language

Performed in Norwegian​

Contributors

• 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

Venue

Torgallmenningen, Festallmenningen

Sponsor