unforgettable musical experiences in Bergen

Looking for a memorable cultural experience while you’re in Bergen? Bergen Church Autumn Festival brings exceptional music into some of the city’s most beautiful historic churches. From Fauré in the cathedral to immersive contemporary sounds in Nykirken, here are a few highlights worth discovering during your stay.

Fauré Requiem

Bergen Cathedral
Thursday 17 September, 19:30

Experience Fauré’s beloved Requiem in the magnificent setting of Bergen Cathedral. Edvard Grieg Kor, festival artist Amalie Stalheim and an outstanding team of musicians open the festival with one of the great masterpieces of sacred music. A powerful meeting between music, voices and one of Bergen’s most historic spaces.

Bergen Cathedral Choir & Amalie Stalheim (cellO)

Holy Cross church
Friday 18 September, 19:30

Life, creation, loss and love come together as Bergen Cathedral Choir meets festival artist Amalie Stalheim. Bach’s cello suites are set alongside beautiful new choral music in the atmospheric Korskirken. A moving encounter between centuries-old music and new sounds.

Under/Mothership/Above

Nykirken
Saturday 19 September, 19:00–22:00

For something completely different, step into a musical world that surrounds you. In Under/Mothership/Above, Nykirken itself becomes part of the experience, as music leads you from the ancient crypt up into the church tower.

With Stemmeklang, NyNorsk Messingkvintett, Parallax and Anders Hannevold, this immersive concert journey moves between voices, brass, electronics and unusual sounds. Music comes from different parts of the building, creating a surround-like, meditative experience in which the architecture, acoustics and performers become part of one living soundscape.

Victoria Ulriksen

Bergen Cathedral
Saturday 19 September, 15:00

Hear the magnificent organ of Bergen Cathedral played by young Norwegian virtuoso Victoria Ulriksen, joined by Amalie Stalheim. A chance to experience the extraordinary power and colour of a historic church organ in its natural surroundings.

Amalie Stalheim

St Mary’s Church
Sunday 20 September, 15:00

End your festival journey in one of Bergen’s most atmospheric spaces. Bergen-born cellist Amalie Stalheim performs solo works by Bach, Britten and Henrysson in the medieval Mariakirken. An intimate encounter with exceptional musicianship and the unique atmosphere of one of Bergen’s oldest churches.