BODØ, NORWAY: RITE OF SPRING

Friday 25.04.2025 at 7pm Stormen Concert Centre, Bodø

Conductor: Karen Kamensek
Direction and Choreography: Stian Vikjord Danielsen
Dancers: Tuva Svendsen, Johannes Gudbrandsen-Stavland together with the Bodø High School dancers
Orchestra: Kuopio Symphony Orchestra and Arctic Philharmonic
Choreography Assistant: Kari Skotnes Vikjord
Set and Costume Design: Fredrik Tjærandsen
Lighting Design: Martin Myrvold
Dramaturge: Thomas Schaupp
Producer: Kjetil Falkum
Organizer / Stage Manager: Sofia Berg

Lasse Thorsen: Rettferdighetens sol (The Sun of Justice)
Igor Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring

In the magical heart of the North lies the capital of Nordland County, Bodø, Kuopio’s sister city in Norway. North of the Arctic Circle also operates the world’s northernmost professional orchestra, Arktisk Filharmoni, or the Arctic Philharmonic of Norway. The orchestra operates in two different cities, Bodø and Tromsø, performing in various ensembles on tours across Northern Norway. In April, the Kuopio Symphony Orchestra will travel to Norway to perform together with the Arctic Philharmonic.

Energetic Dance Meets Classical Favorite

What must we sacrifice today to bring light through the dark times the world is going through? Experience the contemporary choreography of Igor Stravinsky’s classic ballet “The Rite of Spring,” which transformed from scandal to audience favorite. “The Rite of Spring” has become one of the most famous ballets of all time – a modern classic performed both as a concert piece and with choreography.

For this performance, choreographer Stian Danielsen, who lives in Bodø, has created his own version, featuring professional dancers together with talented dance students from Bodø High School. The ballet depicts a ritual spring sacrifice in ancient, pagan Russian culture. With this version, Stian Danielsen wants to ask what we must sacrifice today to bring light through the dark times the world is going through. At the premiere of Ballet Russe in Paris in 1913, the music and choreography shocked the audience. The movements, rhythm, and musical language were more challenging than ever before experienced. This even led to riots among different audience groups, requiring police intervention.

The piece requires an exceptionally large orchestra, including eight French horns, two tubas, and two sets of timpani. In this concert, the Arctic Philharmonic will perform together with the Kuopio Symphony Orchestra, the Finnish sister city of Bodø, under the baton of conductor Karen Kamensek.

At the beginning of the concert, we will hear Lasse Thorsen’s piece “The Sun of Justice,” where idyll and storm lead us to a brilliant climax. Thoresen describes an idyllic atmosphere combined with a rhythmic and danceable main theme, with clear references to South American indigenous culture. But dark clouds threaten on the horizon, and the idyll is interrupted by a powerful storm reminiscent of war and chaos. As this “storm” gradually subsides, the development of the initial simple melody continues and culminates in a brilliant climax.

More information Arktisk Filharmoni