2_Q9_ScanMag_78_July_2015_Text_JOE _Scan Magazine 1 07/07/2015 15:47 Page 57
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Norway
From Verdensteatrets (World Theatre’s) celebrated show The Bridge over Mud at Ultima 2014
scribed as an audio-visual installation constituted by Ekebergparken’s location and the cultural history of the forest. “Sound, light and images, blend in harmony with a walk-in installation for an atmosphere changing from pure beauty to its destructive side of danger,” Hagen describes.
The Guardian’s stamp of approval Two days later on 12 September, Helge Sten and Ensemble Musikfabrik will provide a rare performance together for one night only of Pitch 43 by Harry Partch at Kanonhallen. “In fact, the ensemble’s interpretation of Harry Partch’s work is included in The Guardian’s ‘150 unmissable arts events for 2015',” Hagen explains. The closing concert will take place at Oslo Cathedral on 19 September. André Bratten and Ole-Henrik Moe will perform new work as well as Arvo Pärt. The composers have put together an exciting ensemble
consisting of Oslo Domkor (Oslo Cathedral Choir) and Ensemble Allegria. “We believe Bratten and Moe will provide an adequate closure to this year’s Ultima thanks to Bratten’s music being a daring and modern blend of space disco and micro house,” Hagen says. Encouraging people to think outside the box At Ultima they take pride in encouraging musicians to think outside the box when developing contemporary music and culture with the goal of engaging the audience as well as entertaining them. “In addition to being proud of steadily growing attendance figures, we are particularly pleased that our average visitor is getting younger and younger,” Hagen explains in an optimistic tone for the future of the festival. Ultima is active and present during the rest of the year in addition to its own festival every September. In April 2014, for example, a mini version of Ul-
tima in New York took place in order to promote the festival receiving positive reviews. Similar events in Barcelona and Tokyo are planned for 2016. Larger programmes for children and youngsters are developed too. Recently 9,500 pupils experienced contemporary music in Haugesund in Western Norway. “It is interesting to work with children, as they receive the music without prejudice. They will also realise there is more to music than the pop music dominating the charts,” Hagen says.“The final programme for the festival will be on our website soon, and we encourage visitors to book tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment,” he concludes. Oslo is easily accessible by direct flights from most of Norway and Europe, as well as parts of North America, the Middle and Far East. For more information, please visit: www.ultima.no
Issue 78 | July 2015 | 57