Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
It takes two to tango – where classical music meets Latin passion When the Oslo Chamber Music Festival opens its doors for the 29th time this coming August, it is putting a twist on traditional classical music. Drawing top performers from around the world, this year’s festival will be introducing the sensual tones of tango to the chamber music genre. By Linn Skjei Bjørnsen | Photos: Kristin Bolgård
Inspired by festivals in the US and Finland, which brought together classical performers for more informal music sessions, worldrenowned Norwegian violinist Arve Tellefsen initiated the Oslo Chamber Music Festival to showcase the genre’s diversity and bring chamber music to a wider audience. Since its inception in 1989, it has grown to be one of northern Europe’s most influential festivals for classical music. “Our vision has always been to expand the concept of chamber music and infuse it with other genres. This year we will see top tango musicians perform alongside some big international chamber music stars,” says managing director Kristin Slørdahl.
A highlight is Elisabeth Leonskaja, the distinguished Russian-Austrian pianist who is among the most-celebrated pianists of our time. As well as top classical soloists, the 2017 festival will see a focus on string quartets, of which the host country has fostered some of the best in the world. There will be master classes hosted by star performers and aimed at young, promising musicians. “Recruiting and educating talent is important to us, and we put great emphasis on including children and young people, as both performers and audience,” Slørdahl explains. The festival takes place 17-26 August at some of the Norwegian capital’s most
majestic and historic buildings, including the National Theatre, the Opera House, Akershus Fortress and the University Aula – which is home to original Edvard Munch paintings – as well as smaller, more intimate stages in churches and tango clubs.
For more information, please visit: www.oslokammermusikkfestival.no
An international meeting place for musical appreciation Bodø International Organ Festival (BIOF) is a large industry gathering for organ players. It is an increasingly important and established arena for students and established players and has had a strong presence since the early 2000s. The festival is consistently organised in the week of 26 April, which is the birthday of the famous composer Fridthjov Anderssen. By Pernille Johnsen | Photos: Bodø International Organ Festival
BIOF introduces both well-known organ players and solo concerts in addition to crossover performances with untraditional concerts and contemporary music. The festival’s pride and joy is the youth course organised for those aged 13 and up. “Playing the organ is a lonesome hobby, so this is a much anticipated and popular gathering,” says Gro Bergrabb, a member of the programme committee. A much-anticipated programme feature in 2017 is the attendance of the worldrenowned Olivier Latry from the NotreDame Cathedral in Paris. Latry is giving a lecture as well as a solo recital. In line with 46 | Issue 96 | January 2017
his participation, the overall programme will have a French profile with several pieces of French music being played. The prominent closing number is the well-known Requiem by Gabriel Fauré, performed by the Arctic Philharmonics including the organ of Bodø Cathedral, and a choir counting almost 100 young singers from the region who gather for this occasion. The complete programme will be announced this month. For tickets and further information, please visit: www.biof.no
Olivier Latry is the single most famous organ player in the world and will feature at this year’s festival.