Norway's Bergen Philharmonic Extends Chief Conductor

The orchestra announced that Edward Gardner's contract has been extended for one additional year, until July 2024

After Gardner joined the Bergen Philharmonic as Chief Conductor in 2015, the philharmonic has had nine international tours and thirteen critically acclaimed recordings. This July, the orchestra has plans for a new recording, focusing on the music of Jean Sibelius with Norwegian opera singer Lise Davidsen as the soloist.

Gardner was recently appointed Principal Conductor Designate of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and has debuted as guest conductor with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Philadelphia Orchestra to name a few.

“Edward Gardner is, and has been, an incredible force and inspiration for the Bergen Philharmonic, even more so during the pandemic,” said the orchestra’s CEO Bernt Bauge.

“At the same time, Covid-19 has resulted in many delayed projects, and we are therefore incredibly happy to announce that Gardner will extend his engagement with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra for one additional year. This gives us inspiration, hope, and assurance to resume our artistic activity on the other side of the pandemic to the fullest possible extent.”

The Bergen Philharmonic opens its 2021-2022 season with Carl Nielsen’s Violin Concerto with VC Young Artist Johan Dalene,  John Adams "Harmonium," and "Bioluminescence" by Norwegian composer Kristine Tjøgersen — the winner of the Pauline Hall-Competition for women composers.