For the occasion, Queen Sonja has agreed to officially open the festival in Lofoten Kulturhus (Svolvær) on Monday 8 July at 8pm. The opening concert is, as always, a party concert where they present the artists in an entertaining program. Artistic director since the beginning is Arvid Engegård, violinist, conductor and quartet leader from Bodø.
22 events in 6 days
From the opening concert on Monday 8 July to the final concert on Saturday 13 July, this year the organizers have a total of 22 events during the festival. In total, they have 12 main concerts with a classical program where artists can shine at their best. These concerts are spread between Svolvær in the east to Gravdal in western Lofoten.
Apart from Lofoten Kulturhus in Svolvær, the remaining main concerts have been added to various churches in Lofoten. This provides a unique experience for both the audience and artists.
In addition to the main concerts, the organizers invite you to three musical lectures where Wolfgang Plagge both narrates and plays to give classical music a greater meaning. The lectures are intended to suit all levels. Apart from the opening lecture which takes place just before the opening concert, the other two are lunchtime lectures where they also serve lunch to the audience. Wolfgang Plagge will also introduce four concerts during the festival. As he himself says, it often adds value to draw a map before heading out into the terrain. Both to know where you are going – but also when you are there.
Pianist Sir András Schiff topper laget.
As in previous years, the musical quality is the most important thing for the organisers. They are particularly concerned that the program shows both depth and breadth throughout all the concerts. They achieve this in particular by having different artists participate in each concert, which makes the programs unique. The concert programs have never been played before, and they will never be played again. In addition to the Engegård Quartet, the Doric String Quartet from England and Trio Con Brio Copenhagen will come. They therefore have the opportunity to perform works with several actors. All three groups also have their own departments during the festival.
Soloists include Ingrid Fliter (piano), Joachim Carr (piano), Georgy Tchaidze (piano), Anton Dressler (clarinet), Per Arne Glorvigen (Bandoneon), Thorbjørn Gulbrandsøy (tenor) and Yuko Shiokawa (violin).
The biggest name at this year’s festival is still Sir András Schiff. He will participate in several of the concerts where he will perform works by Bach. The organizers are very proud to have him in Lofoten for the second time.
Want to reach out to more people
The main concerts and the musical lectures represent the core of what the festival has been – and wants to be in the future. Nevertheless, they still want to reach out to more people. The organizers are therefore continuing with the breakfast concert, which has long been a popular attraction. Here, the public is served breakfast while artists play and entertain. All under a classical framework, but somewhat more informal compared to the churches. This year they are also introducing a separate breakfast quiz. There will be less music here, but Wolfgang Plagge has prepared tasks that definitely stimulate classical music. He will also use live music to describe the tasks.
Perhaps the biggest news this year is the dream concert – a concert to dream about.
The concert has been added at 23.00 – after all other concerts. At this time, the midnight sun is at its best and creates magic in the sky. The organizers invite the audience into an empty room – only a grand piano and Wolfgang Plagge. Large windows provide both a view and the midnight sun. Mats, pillows and chairs are available for those who want them. The audience can place themselves where – and how – they want, while the sun and the music do the rest. It is allowed to meditate, think, sleep, or just dream. We hope this gives people the opportunity to use classical music for something more than what the more formal concerts provide.
Ticket sales are very promising
There are still tickets available and we hope to see many people at our concerts, also this year. More information can be found at www.lofotenfestival.no
All photos: Lofoten International Chamber Music Festival
