Bergen International Festival

Bergen International Festival

12 days from late May to early June

The Bergen International Festival is the major cultural event in Norway, and features more than 100 events in music, drama, folklore, opera, ballet, and the visual arts. Most of the musical events are held in Bergen's Viking Castle, Haakon's Hall (built in 1250), at the Grieg Concert Hall, at Edvard Grieg's home (known as "Troldhaugen"), and at Lysoen, the island home of composer and violinist Ole Bull. It was, in fact, Edvard Grieg—the composer and founder of the Norwegian nationalist school of music—who originated the idea for a musical festival and who first sponsored such a festival back in 1898. But the Bergen International Festival as it exists today didn't really get started until 1952. Although the primary attraction is music—ranging from classical to jazz, new music from around the world, organ concerts, military band performances, and folklore opera—children's programs, literary events, and art exhibits are featured as well.

CONTACTS:
Bergen International Festival Foundation
Sentrum
P.O. Box 183
Bergen, N-5804 Norway
47-5521-0630; fax: 47-5521-0640
www.fib.no/index_e.asp?ID=3&segment=2

SOURCES:
GdWrldFest-1985, p. 144
IntlThFolk-1979, p. 286
MusFestEurBrit-1980, p. 126
MusFestWrld-1963, p. 186