2_9_ScanMag_72_Jan_2015_Text_Q10_Scan Magazine 1 09/01/2015 22:45 Page 39
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Festivals in Norway
Chamber chimes between fjords and mountains Established as the only chamber music festival in Sogn og Fjordane, Gloppen Musikkfest offers audiences superb music experiences that bring people and harmonies close together. Linking large and small arenas to nature, this music gathering presents high-quality acts that invite to new interpretations in stunning surroundings.
the north. Furthermore, the acclaimed Norwegian ensemble Music for a While will perform in beautiful harmonies. Gloppen is a perfect location for those who wish to combine nature with stunning music performances: an experience that will stay with you long after you leave the fjords behind.
By Julie Lindén | Photos: Geir Skagen
“Gloppen Musikkfest is a grand festival where classical music meets new genres, in the most stunning nature you can possibly imagine,” says Hanne B Oftedal, Festival Manager at Gloppen Musikkfest. She paints a vivid image of a festival that does not shy away from contrasts, but embraces them as part of the programme. “Definitely. Although our main focus is classical music, we welcome other genres as well as completely different artistic expressions, such as literature and dance.”
Arenas of various sizes are employed, brilliantly adapting space to the art – while also accomplishing the characteristic trait of Gloppen Musikkfest: bringing audiences so close to the performers that the music can not only be heard, but felt. Furthermore, children and young people are invited to bring their own interpretations to the concert halls as well as take part in workshops and seminars, a feature that adds yet another dimension to the celebrated festival.
Gloppen municipality is home to a high-quality cultural centre, an immense advantage in the presentation of large and small artistic works.
In 2015 – the 13th annual festival – audiences can look forward to performances by solo and chamber musicians from the best orchestras of
Music as a bridge builder Oslo International Church Music Festival is a festival celebrating the diversity of church music across Europe. The theme of the 15th annual festival is “music as a bridge builder – at home and abroad”. The festival offers a rich and diverse international programme, crossing different periods, genres, and national borders. By Julie Lindén | Photos: Marco Borggreve
Opening the festival is the French early music ensemble Capriccio Stravagante with their performance of André Campra’s L’Europe Galante. The ensemble is accompanied by six outstanding soloists, led by Skip Sempé. With around 15,000 visitors yearly, Oslo International Church Music Festival is a central institution in the development of church music in Norway and is Norway’s largest exhibition of early music and associated international specialist performers.
The 2015 festival will see great performances of world leading musicians such as Paul McCreesh and his Gabrieli Consort, who will perform a beautiful a cappella programme centred on the Virgin Mary. Ensemble Odhecaton, the Danish vocal ensemble Concert Clemens, and a group of Scandinavia’s foremost jazz musicians will also perform. The project entitled Song of Songs offers a unique encounter between Jewish, Christian and Muslim musical traditions, and is written by five composers from different countries who have based the work on texts featuring symbols and metaphors shared by various cultures. The work will be premiered by one of the foremost choirs of our time, the Latvian Radio Choir, and the critically acclaimed Ensemble Sarband, conducted by Kaspars Putnins.
For more information, please visit: www.gloppenmusikkfest.no
The anniversary year closes with J. S. Bach’s famous masterpiece St. Matthew Passion performed by musicians from both Germany and France – Le Concert Lorrain and the famous Balthasar-Neumann-Chor featuring star soloists under the direction of Christoph Prégardien. During 12 days the festival offers seven world premieres, 854 participants from 18 countries and 29 projects.
Christoph Prégardien directs star soloists in a performance of J. S. Bach’s masterpiece St. Matthew Passion.
Festival period: 6 – 17 March
For more information, please visit: www.oicmf.no
Issue 72 | January 2015 | 39