Scan Magazine, Issue 104, September 2017

e:

T & IAL R i A EC ec C p I S D E SP R NO TUR L CU m he

T al

Mimi Goes Glamping bonfire under the stars. Photo: Magnus Skrede

Borealis 3x3. Photo: Tunart / Getty Images / BNO

Hansel & Gretel tour.

Ground-breaking opera experiences The rich programme of Bergen National Opera (BNO) is not just impressing the local audience, but also enchanting international critics. “The company has developed a well-deserved reputation for its world-class productions,” the UK’s Classical Music magazine wrote. But along with a formidable reputation in regards to the main stage, BNO’s new ambition is to bring opera to remote parts of Norway, involving local teenagers in such performances alongside professional artists.

By Marte Eide | Photos: Bergen National Opera

“I am very excited about our forthcoming productions. They star excellent Norwegian talent alongside international cast,” says opera director Mary Miller.

This season has kicked off with the annual Mimi Goes Glamping, a charming festival that has also caught international attention.

“It’s like a rock festival, but with opera.

It appeals to people because of the great food, yoga, poetry, tours, and singing around the bonfire,” says Miller. “We will also premiere our innovative production of Robert Munsch’s classic story The Paper Bag Princess, but with a twist where amateur singers join the professionals on stage. The production will then be performed again at Bergen Prison involving inmates and staff, and finally with the students at Norway’s United World College,” says Miller.

36 | Issue 104 | September 2017

Humperdinck’s well-known opera Hansel and Gretel tours to venues in Western Norway this autumn. “BNO will visit the schools beforehand to present the opera and get the students involved. I think the teenagers will love it, especially the very wicked witch!” Miller enthuses. 15 students will then participate in the actual performance during the tour, making it a real community experience.

BNO’s main productions are presented in Bergen’s Grieghallen in collaboration with Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.

“For Verdi’s Otello, we have a wonderful international cast – American, Australian, Korean, Polish and Norwegian,” Miller notes.

Next year will include celebrity recitals including the sensational Lise Davidsen, and 3x3 at Borealis Festival, which con-

sists of three new 15-minute operas by young Norwegians. One of the season’s highlights is BNO’s spectacular new production of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman with rising star Elisabeth Teige as Senta. BNO also presents a semi-staging of Berlioz’s Grande Messe Des Morts, to open Festspillene i Bergen in May. “Opera has this fantastic ability to tell a story by combining music, design, singing and theatre. The general feedback from the audience is that they love the intensity of the BNO experience,” says Miller.

The Paperbag Princess.

For the full programme and tickets, please see: Web: www.bno.no/en Facebook: www.facebook.com/ bergennasjonaleopera Instagram: @bergenopera