Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra

Nordnorsk Opera og Symfoniorkester AS was founded in Bodø on June 18, 2009. With a budget of NOK 52 million (2010), the company has already become one of Northern Norway’s largest culture institutions.

The creation of this new philharmonic orchestra is the biggest cultural event in Norway after the opening of the Opera House in Oslo last year, said a proud Minister of Culture and Church Affairs Trond Giske at the Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra premiere concert in Bodø on August 1.

 World stars 

The orchestra had premieres in Bodø on August 1 and Tromsø on August 20, drawing full houses and gaining good reviews at both events. The extremely well renowned Christian Lindberg, who conducted both concerts, has now signed as principal conductor and artistic advisor for a four-year period.

“This collaboration opens up completely new opportunities internationally for the new orchestra,” says Director Rolf-Cato Raade. “The ambition is by 2014 to be an orchestra of the highest calibre, which is an important resource in the region, and which is also established internationally through tours and recording.”

 North Norwegian flagship 

The Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra has been arranged as a project orchestra with the ensembles Bodø Sinfonietta and Tromsø Chamber Orchestra as the core, supplemented by The Norwegian Army Band Northern Norway and Landsdelsmusikerne i Nord-Norge. Two local opera companies, Musikkteater i Bodø and Opera Nord, now comprise the Arctic Opera. APO’s administration is located in the cities of Bodø and Tromsø. The local roots in the region are important, but at the same time it is important to look abroad.

“We are doing this because Northern Norway will get a flagship that can create pride in the region and give the residents of the north cultural performances on an equal level as the rest of the country. In addition, I hope the Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra can contribute to marketing Northern Norway, the High North and Norway internationally,” said Minister of Culture and Church Affairs Trond Giske when he met the management and staff of the new organisation.

 The Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra has set itself the goal of conquering the world from the north.

“Music and culture are influenced by the area they come from. Culture provides a sense of identity, roots and belonging.” - Minister of Culture and Church Affairs Trond Giske at the official opening of the Arctic Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra

Board of Directors

 The Board of Directors comprises eight members and two substitute members:

Phone: +47 99 38 78 10
 Fax: +47 77 68 51 37
 E-mail: post{at}noso.no

Tromsø

Visiting address: Strandgata 41, 4th floor (Chief Post Office Building)
 Postal address: PO Box 741, 9258 Tromsø, Norway

Bodø

Visiting address: Bodø Kulturhus, Hålogalandsgata 25
 Postal address: PO Box 774, 8001 Bodø; Norway