Extraordinary response to unique international singing competition.
Press release
127 singers from all around the world have applied to a brand new and innovative competition for Baroque singers, scheduled for June 2022, in the Arctic town of Bodø.
— The level of the candidates is outstanding, says director of Stormen Concert Hall, Rasmus Adrian.
Aria Borealis Bodø will gather some of the world’s leading baroque musicians and singers for a nine-day festival. Already, 127 applicants from 39 different nations all over the world, have submitted their audition videos and applications.
.
— The number of applicants far exceeds our expectations and shows us that Aria Borealis Bodø will be a music event of international importance, Adrian says.
This is the first time a competition like this is held in an Arctic town, and there has been some suspense about what level of interest it would generate. Adrian continues:
— Clearly, we’ve succeeded in our search for new talent. I’m really impressed and absolutely convinced that we’ll find the international stars of tomorrow among the candidates.
Juror Dame Emma Kirkby is also thrilled.
— Clearly this new idea has found
its moment, since now we must choose just 8 among over a hundred fine performers,
from all over the world.
The candidates are from all continents but Germany, Great Britain, Norway, Canada, USA and Finland are at the top of the list.
— I am excited at this chance for today’s brightest young singers to work with such wonderful players. The video submissions have been revelatory and our task extremely difficult, she says
Other jury members are artistic Director of Concerto Copenhagen and harpsichordist Lars Ulrik Mortensen, opera director Stefan Herheim, soprano Tuuli Lindeberg and tenor Anders J. Dahlin
Unique format
Aria Borealis Bodø has a unique concept, compared to other music competitions. The idea came from Nordic Baroque Scene which is a collaborative platform comprising the four leading Nordic Baroque Orchestras Concerto Copenhagen, The Finnish Baroque Orchestra, Drottningholms Baroque Ensemble from Sweden and the Norwegian ensemble Barokkanerne. Mari Giske from Barokkanerne explains:
— Winners are declared already after this initial round of video submissions, and they will all be invited to an inspiring week in Bodø for the chance of winning more prizes without the worry about being eliminated from the competition. The applicants who have contacted us for information seem really excited about taking part in a competition that places the music and teamwork center stage.
Festival as a frame
The festival Aria Borealis Bodø is built around the singing competition. Music enthusiasts are invited to participate in workshops and masterclasses, attend concerts and rehearsals, join excursions, listen to lunch talks, as well as making music with others.
CEO Rasmus Adrian is delighted to be a collaborative partner for Aria Borealis Bodø:
— With the event taking place in the week of the longest daylight hours of the year,
with a backdrop of the stunning nature surrounding Bodø, this will surely be an unforgettable adventure. Aria Borealis Bodø will promote Norway’s cultural significance, and the next edition in 2024, will also be a strong contribution to Bodø’s status as Culture Capital, of Europe, he says.
.
Website: ariaborealis.com
For more Information or interviews with jurors or partners, please contact communications manager at Stormen Concert Hall Tina Andersen: tina@stormen.no, tel: +47 41 58 44 51.
In short:
127 singers from 39 countries are competing for eight places in the new, innovative, international singing competition for Early Music singers which will take place in the Arctic town of Bodø in 2022. Aria Borealis Bodø will gather some of the world’s foremost musicians and singers for a nine-days’ festival from June 24 to July 2. The jury comprises great musical personalities such as Dame Emma Kirkby and the Norwegian stage director Stefan Herheim, and the competition promotes artistic collaboration and great musical experiences. Aria Borealis Bodø is organized by Stormen Konserthus in collaboration with the four Nordic baroque ensembles Concerto Copenhagen, The Finnish Baroque Orchestra, Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble and Barokkanerne from Norway More information about the competition and the festival can be found at ariaborealis.com