Opera by the fjords

Jun 19

Who: Stiftelsen Bergen Nasjonale Opera

What: Opera by the fjords

Where: Bergen

Project period: 2024 - 2026

Web: Opera by the fjords

About the organization:

The Bergen National Opera creates opera of a high international standard, ranging from grand scenic productions at Grieghallen to smaller events and concerts with world-class conductors, directors, and singers. Our close partners include the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Edvard Grieg Choirs.

As an ambitious and flexible opera company, we continuously seek the most creative artists who can bring new perspectives to our opera repertoire. We emphasize presenting significant and exciting operas, including unknown works that have not been previously performed in Norway and premier commissioned works. This also includes an extensive program dedicated to children and youth. Our artistic teams combine long international experience with artistic innovation. In choosing soloists, we unite young Nordic talents with established singers. We are also dedicated to developing the opera artists of the future through specialized activities and engagement in our productions.

About the project

The Summer Academy – Opera by the Fjord was established in 2021 with generous support from the Grieg Foundation and is aimed at young singers, conductors, instrumentalists (orchestral musicians), and repetiteurs, whether they are in education or recently graduated. The intention for these young talents is to gain experience and knowledge of what awaits them in their further professional lives – both through guidance and practice. It's an intense week at the Oseana Art and Culture Center where participants are encouraged to use every hour of the day as a space for reflection where they can grow both as performers and as individuals. The teaching staff consists of skilled educators, coaches, orchestral musicians, and conductors. All of them come from major opera houses or symphony orchestras in Austria, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Opera by the Fjord is characterized by a very high level – especially among the singing students, the majority of whom are either from Norway or studying in Norway. The composition of students in 2023 was distributed among 5 conducting students, 1 repetiteur student, 14 singing students, and 25 instrumentalist students

The Goal

An interdisciplinary opera academy with targeted support for junior and elite talents in singing, orchestra, conducting, and other relevant disciplines