Full Programme out now!

Borealis returns to Bergen, Norway 13–17 March with five full days of concerts and sound installations, family events and conversations, exploring exciting new musical expressions from across Norway, Sápmi and the world! For the 21st edition of Borealis, the festival dedicates half of its programming to exploring the interaction of Sámi history, identity and erasure with experimental sound, music and listening practices. Led by Sámi artist and musician and Borealis Artist in Residence 2022–2024 Elina Waage Mikalsen, our 2024 festival will present a diverse range of Sámi artists who work experimentally with sound and music.

Check out the programme

Borealis Listening Club X Laugaren

Welcome to a truly unique edition of the Borealis Listening Club at Laugaren! We usually gather at Studio 207, but in November, we are combining listening with a sauna experience at Laugaren – Bergen’s new floating cultural arena and meeting place! Please bring your swimwear and bathrobe and join us in the warmth on this Wednesday evening – we’ll provide refreshments. The listening will take place in a spacious room with seating for about 20 people on stools and benches, and it will be combined with sessions inside the sauna itself, right next door. Heat, the sea, music, and beautiful surroundings create the perfect setting for a Borealis Listening Club that’s a bit out of the ordinary.

The club is usually free, but this time, you’ll need to purchase a ticket. The proceeds will exclusively support the running of Laugaren. There are very limited spots, so be quick!

Wednesday 29 November, 19.00–20.30 in Laugaren (the sauna is docked by USF Hallen)

SOLD OUT!

Podcast on ‘Hungry Listening’

In episode 26 of Darmstadt’s podcast ON AIR, Peter Meanwell interviews artist, curator, and author Dylan Robinson about his book Hungry Listening: Resonant Theory for Indigenous Sound Studies. The book is a sharp critique of colonial assimilation practices in the classical music world and has been a key text for Meanwell and Borealis in their collaboration with Elina Waage Mikalsen.

Listen here

Join our festival team!

Several payed part-time positions are now opening up in Borealis! We have a team of six people working throughout the year, but as the festival approaches, we need more hands and energy to contribute to the realisation of the festival in March. We’re looking for a Volunteer Coordinator, Transport & Logistics Coordinator, Ticket Coordinator and Event Managers. Would you like to be part of our team?

Application deadline: Friday 20 October

Read more and apply

New Managing Director of Borealis: Agnes Hvizdalek

We are thrilled to announce that Agnes Hvizdalek is our new Managing Director! Agnes was born and raised in Austria, and moved to Norway in 2008. She has a background as a performer and composer, with an educational history in cultural management and musicology both in Norway and Austria. Her previous engagement was as project manager for Art Music in the Norwegian music export organisation Music Norway. In addition, she has toured the world as a performing vocalist, with both solo projects and as part of ensembles. She knows the field of experimental music inside out, and has a broad network within Norwegian cultural life through her versatile background. Agnes will officially start on September 1st – we look forward to having her as part of the Borealis team!

Follow Elina’s project on Instagram

Now you can follow Borealis Artist in Residence Elina Waage Mikalsen‘s journey exploring Sámi experimental music, sonic practices and ways of listening on Instagram! The brand new platform Šuvva is a space for Sámi artists and musicians making sounds from the margins.

Follow now

Are you our new Managing Director?

Borealis is looking for a strategic, committed and creative manager who wants to lead a forward-looking and ambitious cultural organisation.

The Managing Director is the heart of our organisation. The role connects practical overview, financial management and strategic development to deliver an annual music and art festival, and to build competence and audience throughout the year.

Application deadline 16 June!

Read more about the position (Norwegian)

BLC in June – Summer Edition

We always need some new sounds and a little reunion with you all before the summer takes over and invite you to a summer edition of Borealis Listening Club in Studio 207, Wednesday 28 June 19.00–21.00!

We’ll listen to music, and as always pop some golden corn and serve something delicious to drink. More info coming soon – save the date in the meantime!

Facebook event

50 guitars to Borealis 2024

Kim Myhr does special things with guitars and brings his visionary approach to the instrument to Borealis 2024.  For his Borealis commission he will create dynamic physical sound worlds with the help of 50 12 string guitars engaging everyone from rusty guitar heroes, eager high school students and enthusiastic camp fire musicians in Bergen and surrounding area. Kim Myhr is among Norway’s most productive and innovative musicians and composers. His music is based on an orchestral exploration of the guitar and has been nominated for both the Nordic Music Prize and the Norwegian Grammys. Do you like to play the guitar?

Show your interest in taking part in Kim’s commission! 

Reviews and praise

This year’s festival attracted attention both locally and internationally. Read the exciting observations about the festival in everything from Bergens Tidene to The New York Times – and dream back!

Read the reviews