Kode Celebrates Agathe Backer Grøndahl

Music & culture

Feb 29

Who: KODE

What: Concert series with Agathe Backer Gøndal

Where: Bergen

Project period: 2024

Web: KODE

In connection with Harriet Backer's exhibition tour, Kode has developed a project that highlights her sister Agathe Backer Grøndahl's music.

Agathe Backer Grøndahl was a close friend and colleague of Edvard Grieg and is therefore an important artist for Kode's Composer Homes. In her time, she was a beloved and honored performing artist, which is also evident in the correspondence between Grieg and Backer Grøndahl.

Kode also has a significant collection of Harriet Backer's artworks. Unlike Harriet Backer's art, Agathe Backer Grøndahl's music has largely been overlooked and neglected.

Kode's unique position and identity, as the country's foremost museum for art and music, uplifts the artistry of both Agathe Backer Grøndahl and Harriet Backer, both nationally and internationally.

The project presents concerts featuring Agathe Backer Grøndahl's music in Stockholm, Paris, and Bergen. In Stockholm, an entire day in April is dedicated to her music, including piano music, songs, and choral works. In Paris, her music will also be presented, alongside works by Edvard Grieg. As part of the program, curators from the Nationalmuseum and Kode will discuss the two sisters' artistry. Some of Norway's leading young artists will participate, in addition to the Norwegian Students' Singing Society and the Female Students' Singing Society.

This project recognizes one of our greatest artists and presents some of the finest classical music from Norway. It contributes to broadening our understanding of our own music history, offers a new generation more historical, nuanced, and precise role models – and the gift of experiencing Agathe Backer Grøndahl's music played regularly – hopefully all over the world.