The Bergen International Festival opened in a classical way

Bergen 20190522. The Bergen International Festival.Photo: Marit Hommedal / NTB scanpix

The Queen, rain and a gathering of song from the “New Voices” were the ingredients during the opening of this year’s Festival Games in Bergen.

Admittedly, this year’s festival opening was moved from Torgallmenningen to outside Grieghallen, but otherwise everything was as it used to.

Queen Sonja was placed in a rain-proof tent together with Mayor Marte Mjøs Persen and Parliament’s leader, Tone Wilhelmsen Trøen. In the first row at the spectators’ square, shrouded in rainwear and blankets, Prime Minister Erna Solberg (H), Minister of Culture Trine Skei Grande (V) and Minister of Local Government and Modernization Monica Mæland (H).

For the opening ceremony, a new work by composer and musician Martin Horntveth was commissioned as other musicians joined in from the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and Bergen boys choir.

“The conclusion to Horntveth new composition was great and great to experience, so I want to say that this is the best opening I have ever been to,” says Grande to Bergens Tidende.

This year’s festival offers a large composition of cultural expressions, including art, theater and music in many forms. The festival lasts until June 5th.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today

RSS Feed