Bergen will become the capital of arts

Bergen will become the capital of arts

On May 23 in the second largest city of Norway Bergen will begin the annual International Festival of Arts (Festspillene i Bergen). It is the largest and most popular festival of its kind in the Scandinavian countries. It unites almost all kinds of art, literature, painting, music, sculpture, cinema and theater. The program of Festspillene i Bergen is very rich and varied and includes more than 150 exhibitions, concerts, performances and other events, which will be held in Bergen and the surrounding area during two weeks of festival. The main events will be organized in eight urban areas: the National Theatre of Bergen, the Church of St. John's, Troldsalen and Villa at Troldhaugen - house of the composer Edvard Grieg, Håkonshallen Royal hall, Logen chamber music hall, Siljustøl - house of the composer Harald Severud, as well as Lysøen and Valestrand - house of the violinist Ole Bull.

International Arts Festival in Bergen was first held in 1953 at the initiative of Christen Gran Bøgh, who decided to continue the tradition of music festivals in honor of Edward Grieg held in Bergen in 1897. But Christen Gran Bøgh decided not to limit only musical performances and expanded the format of the festival for all kinds of art. Currently Festspillene i Bergen festival is part of the European Association of Festivals and is under the personal care of His Majesty King Harald V.

As many activities will take place almost simultaneously in different parts of Bergen, it is impossible to visit them all. However, those, who want to see more, are offered to purchase a discount card Bergen International Festival Card, which costs 390 NOK (52 Euros). The owner of this card will get not only a 30% discount on all tickets, but also the right to choose the best places. Card holders will also receive a 15% discount in the city restaurants and a 10% discount for Hurtigruten cruises.

Ilya Kozlovskiy

Date: 26/04/2012