Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Norway’s Top Three Culture Centres
Left: The Manhattan Transfer sold out and performed in March 2017. Photo: John Abbott. Top right: Al Di Meola. Photo: Jean Louis Neveu. Right: Baerum Kulturhus from outside. Photo: Baerum Kulturhus
A spring with stars in dance, chamber music and jazz Their specialty is to attract national and international stars in dance, chamber music and jazz. Bærum Kulturhus in Sandvika, which is close to Oslo, is urban, updated and stands out from the crowd with its specialties. By Stian Sangvig
The venue houses five stages. Store Sal, meaning ‘Grand Hall’, is the main stage with 530 comfortable seats and excellent acoustics. “This stage is large and comfortable to accommodate for the best possible performances,” head of communications Karin Bugge explains. You will also find the smaller stage, Sandvika Teater, where local theatre plays can be seen. Another example of how the different rooms are put to use is Underhuset, where many of Bærum Kulturhus’ intimate jazz concerts take place. The house opened in September 2003, designed by Norwegian architecture celebrities Snøhetta. The Snøhetta touch is present in the municipal building in Sandvika with its long lines, surprising angles and a use of glass and materials that adds a spacious feel. Snøhetta was 54 | Issue 99 | April 2017
subsequently awarded the task to design Oslo’s Opera House.
Showcasing local and global talent In order to stand out among a myriad of culture and entertainment, Bærum Kulturhus focuses in particular on dance, chamber music and jazz. As such, performers have recently included vocal group Manhattan Transfer, popphilanthropist Angelique Kidjo, violinist Sarah Chang, the Batsheva Dance Company and the late musician, singer and Grammy award winner Al Jarreau. Several of Norway’s best artists visit the stages regularly. At the time of writing, Bærum Kulturhus was just about to sign some famous international jazz stars. “It’s definitely worth to keep an eye on our website for
updates,” Bugge encourages. Autumn and early spring are the busiest periods, and this April and May famous names include American contemporary jazz guitarist Al Di Meola and a special version of Bach’s Goldberg Variations. “We are also keen promoters of local talent,” Bugge continues, explaining that the venue encourages choirs, dance schools, theatre groups and school orchestras. Local politicians in Bærum have decided to offer these local groups discounts and special prices for putting on their Christmas and summer shows. Bærum Kulturhus will continue to attract the best international and local talent in dance, chamber music and jazz. “With over 520 events and 350 rehearsal days a year, we are close to maximum capacity for our stages,” Bugge concludes.
For more information, please visit: www.baerumkulturhus.no