Bergen Philharmonic Chorus
Founded in 1919, the Bergen Philharmonic Chorus has roots going back to 1765 when the Music Society Harmonien (now the Bergen Philharmonic) was established for the purpose of organising orchestral concerts. The Chorus flourished during the tenure of Edvard Grieg as Music Director, his choral works still holding a special place in its repertoire.
The chorus thrives under Håkon Matti Skrede, its director since 2004, appearing regularly with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in standard symphonic repertoire, from Mozart to Britten, while also championing more unusual repertoire and contemporary works.
Highlights of its recent calendar include performances of Britten’s Peter Grimes and War Requiem, Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, Janáček’s Glagolitic Mass, Arne, Nordheim’s Wirklicher Wald, Schoenberg’s GurreLieder, Delius’ A Mass of Life, Wagner’s Parsifal, some of these in collaboration with other local choirs.
Many discs have received excellent reviews both near and afar, the recording of the Glagolitic Mass earning a Grammy nomination for Best Choral Performance, and the recording of Peter Gimes won the Gramophone Classical Award for Best Opera performance and Gramophone Recording of the Year.