Borealis shortlisted for the Innovation Award 2026 Classical:NEXT

Borealis has been shortlisted for the Innovation Award at Classical:NEXT 2026! 
We are incredibly happy and honoured to be nominated. The Classical:NEXT Innovation Award places the spotlight on forward-thinking activities taking place around the world.
In the jury’s words, the festival “demonstrated a distinctive engagement with technology as a means of reshaping listening and bodily experience,” highlighting immersive and site-based works such as Sonic Sauna and sea-bathing sound experiences. This recognition means a great deal to us, and to the artists and collaborators who shape the festival each year.

Borealis welcomes Tze Yeung Ho as new Artistic Director

We are delighted to announce that Tze Yeung Ho has accepted the position as the new Artistic Director of Borealis!
A Norwegian-Finnish composer and performer, Tze Yeung brings a vision shaped by experimental music, cross-disciplinary projects, and international collaboration. Read the full press release to learn more!

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Borealis Listening Club is back in 2026!

After a break, we’re excited to welcome you back to BLC — this time with a very special guest: Borealis Artist in Residence Jaleh Negari!
At this Listening Club on January 13, we’ll meet Jaleh, hear about her artistic process, and dive into the ideas that shape her work. The session takes place at Lydgalleriet and is hosted by Peter Meanwell, former Borealis Artistic Director and current director of Lydgalleriet. See you there?

Read more about Jaleh and her project

Borealis x Laugaren: Sonic Sauna

On Friday 14 November at 14:30, Borealis takes over the sauna during Sauna Marathon with Laugaren, filling it with experimental music and sound that will get both blood and senses flowing.
Join us for a listening session that warms body and soul, as we take a musical plunge into the unknown.
Maybe you’ll even get a little hint of what’s to come at Borealis 2026!

Programme

Borealis is looking for Festival Staff!

Several payed part-time positions are now opening up in Borealis!
We have a core team of people working throughout the year, but as the festival approaches, we need more hands on deck! Want to join our team?Borealis aims to be a workplace where people are seen, supported and given a chance to grow. Tasks and responsibilities will be tailored to the best candidate, and personal suitability can compensate for formal training and other qualifications.
Application deadline: 19 October.

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Get your Early Bird Borealis Pass!

Borealis 2026 is starting to take shape!
To celebrate the new design that will spice up Borealis 2026, Early Bird Festival Passes are now on sale at a special reduced price. The pass works as a discount ticket: it gives access to the whole festival at a lower cost than individual tickets, making it the most affordable way to experience everything Borealis has to offer.
Like last year – our pricing system is scaled so you can choose the price that fits you and your life situation best.

Buy now

Change is in the air

This month we say goodbye to several members of Borealis team. Project manager Güliz Portakaloğlu finishes her traineeship, Head of Production Aistė Žumbakytė moves on to new position at Carte Blanche, and Runa Halleraker is embarking on freelance life, as an artist and photographer. After more than 12 years, our longtime Head of Communications İrem Müftüoğlu, is also leaving. She has been central in shaping the festivals public profile, audience development as well as international delegate programme. We will miss them all dearly, and we wish them the very best!
At the same time we welcome new colleagues: Anette Grindheim steps into the role of Head of Production, while Ania Popowska is our new Head of Communications. Both have worked with Borealis before, and we’re excited to have them back on the team!