May 22nd – June 5th, Bergen International Festival
Two intense weeks with over 200 events in the fields of music, ballet, opera, theatre, dance and the performing arts.
Bergen International Festival was founded in 1953 and has focused on presenting prominent international and Norwegian artists in the fields of music, ballet, opera, theatre, dance and the performing arts. The Festival, which is the principal event of its kind in Norway, takes place every year over 15 days at the end of May and presents over 400 events.
Watch highlights of the 2018 festival here!
2019 Festival programme
Unsuk Chin is Festival Composer in 2019. The full 2019 festival programme will be announced in February 2019.
We have created guides for the colourful, vast landscape that is the festival programme. We believe it has something for every taste and occasion, and by arranging the events under the three terms Festivities, Foundations and Friction, we hope to make it easier to find what you are looking for.
Foundations: The best of the best in the classical art tradition. Tradition and renewal, depth and reflection. Performances and concerts with a history.
Friction: Reckless and shrewd, experimenting and exploring. New technology and boundless artistic landscapes.
Festivities: Entertainment and surprises. For young and old. Playful scenes in the streets and events at new and familiar venues broad appeal. Experiences for your head, heart and feet.
The festival is a member of the European Festivals Association. His Majesty Kind Harald V is the festival’s Royal patron. The music of Edvard Grieg (1843 – 1907) performed at his home, Troldhaugen, has from the outset been an important part of the festival.
Visitors and ticket sales: Ticket prices range from EUR 13,50 – 57,00
Arts Representation: Classical, including contemporary, music; opera; chamber music; recitals; dance; theatre; outdoor events and street performance. Fringe events include : Children’s festival; Music Factory (contemporary music); jazz festival; festival exhibition; literary festival.
Festival Venues: Grieg Hall (1500 seats); Logen chamber music hall (re-inaugurated 1997) (500); Håkon’s Hall (King’s Hall from 12th century) (430); Bergen National Theatre (three theatre halls) (80-450); Dance Theatre (300); St John’s Church (900); other medieval churches in Bergen; Troldsalen (200); the villa at Troldhaugen, composer Edvard Grieg’s home (60); violinist Ole Bull’s (1810-1880) home, Lysøen (90); composer Harald Sæverud’s (1897-1992) home, Siljustøl (60); performances at other theatres in Bergen and outdoor events around the city centre.