Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, a Norwegian orchestra with an American conductor, goes on its first ever tour of the U.S. in November 2007. The tour celebrates composer Edvard Grieg.
9/13/2007 :: “Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra is one of Norway’s unique cultural treasures…I can not express how glad I am to be working with the orchestra in a fantastic environment” says conductor, Andrew Litton.
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra appears, under Andrew Littons management, more frequently abroad through tours and concerts such as their U.S. tour in 2007. The Tour will give the audience a taste of Griegs music in a Norwegian wrap with an American conductor. “As for the conducting, Andrew Litton is a star. He goes for the big sound…the raw, brute dynamism of his reading is electro-chemical.” The Independent on Sunday.
Since fall 2003, American Andrew Litton has been the Orchestra’s Principal Conductor. Litton’s contract was renewed spring 2005 and he is now titled Music Director. Maestro Litton is the first American to lead one of Europe’s oldest established orchestras. He grew up in New York and went to Julliard School of Music to become a pianist and conductor. The conductor has among others fronted the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and been the art director of Minnesota Orchestra Sommerfest. It has been said that the contact between the conductor and the orchestra is exceptional.
Established in 1765, the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the oldest orchestral institutions in the world. The Orchestra is based in Bergen where their main arena is Grieghallen however concerts are also being held in other parts of Norway and abroad. Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra consists of 95 musicians. Edvard Grieg had close ties to the Orchestra and was art director during the years 1880-1882. He also bequeathed a portion of his estate to a fund which continues to provide financial support for the orchestra.