Experience majestic sounds at the Norwegian Organ Festival

TEXT: INGRID OPSTAD | PHOTOS © NORWEGIAN ORGAN FESTIVAL

Providing beautiful organ music to the audience since 1990, the Norwegian Organ Festival will once again bring together the best of international, Nordic and local musicians, to put the spotlight on this rich church music heritage. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy majestic sounds in a wonderful and intimate setting this September.

Taking place in the area of Stavanger and Sandnes in September each year, the Norwegian Organ Festival combines entertainment and art with knowledge through concerts, lectures, seminars and masterclasses. “We will, as always, offer several exciting concerts and performances for all ages. Our main event this year is a musical theatre piece aimed particularly at children called Do You Dare to Play, Christine? – a story dating back to 1729 about the cathedral’s first female organist, Christine Friborg Lund,” says Arnfinn Tobiassen, artistic director of the Norwegian Organ Festival.

With the aim to please both the artistic and the conservative crowd, this year’s line-up will include the renowned Edoardo Bellotti and Magnus Andersson, as well as the Scott Brothers. “A number of famous artists have visited the festival throughout the years, and we are proud to have the versatile and skilled organist Bellotti with us this time. Specialising in old Baroque music, the famous Italian really knows how to convey this elegant music in a convincing way” says Tobiassen, adding: “The Scott Brothers are known for being impressive and virtuosic, and for their wide range of colours, so I can guarantee a very intense and thrilling experience you would not want to miss.”

The festival will also host classes, where the performing artists give lectures and also teach the audience. “If you already play the organ, you will also have the opportunity to play with Edoardo Bellotti and get feedback from him through the so-called master classes during the festival,” says Tobiassen. “Another interesting feature will be guided tours in Stavanger Cathedral, where one can get a closer look at the impressive organ and the carillon.”

The longest-running Norwegian organ festival has become one of the most popular festivals for classical music in the country; a place to discover the best of organ music, but also a great source of inspiration for music lovers. “Last year, we saw an audience increase of 32 per cent. We hope for an even bigger reach this year and welcome all church music enthusiasts and newbies alike to come and discover the majestic sounds of the organ,” Tobiassen smiles.

orgelfestival.no

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