Festival Academy

of Bergen (FAB)

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.

The 2025 Festival Academy of Bergen

• More than 20 public events with young artists

• More than 20 closed events for young artists

• This year’s partners include Classical Link, Jiri Hlinka Piano Academy, Grieg Academy – Institute of Music, Voksenåsen Music Academies, Camerata Bergen, and the Youth Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to the daily activities, several days will feature Drop-inconcerts with students from the Grieg Academy, Grieg Academy master's concerts, and a series of concerts at the outdoor stage Festallmenningen.

From Thursday 22 May, there will also be a social meeting point every evening at Det Vestnorske Teateret.

Wednesday 21 May

The opening day of Bergen International Festival with the opening ceremony, opening performance and subsequent reception.

• Chamber music rehearsals Classical link

• Workshop Classical link and FAB composers with Amalie Stalheim and Ørjan Matre.

Thursday 22 May

• Chamber music rehearsals Classical link

• Workshop Classical link and FAB composers with Amalie Stalheim and Ørjan Matre

Friday 23 May

• Chamber music rehearsals Classical link

• Open rehearsal with BIT20 Ensemble and Bára Gísladóttir

Saturday 24 May

• Q&A with Bára Gísladóttir, Bjarni Frímann Bjarnason, and BIT20 Ensemble for FAB composers

• Amalie Stalheim with young string players featuring premieres by FAB composers

Sunday 25 May

• Masterclass with violinist James Ehnes

• Portrait concert with music by this year's Premiere composer: Inga Margrete Aas

Monday 26 May

• Open masterclass for singers with Joyce DiDonato

Thursday 29 May

• TBA

Friday 30 May

• TBA

Saturday 31 May

• Rehearsals with Camerata Bergen

• Open rehearsal with Ensemble Allegria and Kristine Tjøgersen

Sunday 1 June

• Rehearsals with Camerata Bergen

• Concert with the Norwegian National Youth Orchestra’s chamber orchestra

Monday 2 June

• Rehearsals with Camerata Bergen and Leif Ove Andsnes

• Masterclasses with Jiri Hlinka Piano Academy

Tuesday 3 June

• Concert with Camerata Bergen and Leif Ove Andsnes.

• Masterclasses with Jiri Hlinka Piano Academy

Wednesday 4 June

• Masterclass concert with Jiri Hlinka Piano Academy

• Closing concert

Questions about Festival Academy of Bergen (FAB)?

Send an email to fab@fib.no

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