In 2018, the world’s first Arctic Chamber Music Festival was held in Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Since then, the festival has developed into an annual event that attracts international artists and attention. Now, the Arctic Philharmonic is strengthening its collaboration with Voksenåsen to further develop the festival.
The festival’s Artistic Directors will be Voksenåsen’s Peter Herresthal and the Arctic Philharmonic’s Program Manager, Roger Olstad.
“Bringing Peter Herresthal more closely into the festival as one of two Artistic Directors feels absolutely right, given his long-standing collaboration with the orchestra as a soloist, which has resulted in two Grammy nominations in the US and two nominations for the Spellemann Award,” says the Arctic Philharmonic’s Director, Trud Berg.
In 2018, the Arctic Philharmonic helped establish the Arctic Chamber Music Festival together with Svalbard Adventures. Since then, the orchestra has been a permanent part of the festival, in addition to being a co-owner and organizer. Over the past five years, Voksenåsen has contributed artistically through its mentorship programs for young musicians. Now, they are also joining on the ownership side.
“The fact that we, together with a Swedish cultural institution based in Norway, can further develop a festival in Svalbard fits perfectly with the High North strategy. And when we add the musical resources both institutions possess, this partnership is truly a perfect match. We are very much looking forward to this year’s festival – where both of our institutions co-own the festival together with Svalbard Adventures,” says Trud Berg.
Voksenåsen is Norway’s national gift to Sweden as thanks for its help during the Second World War. Today, it is a cultural center and hotel offering unique settings for meaningful encounters. For 30 years, the Voksenåsen Music Academies have fostered talent in classical performance and pedagogy, providing top-level instruction and opportunities to perform across the Nordic region through Voksenåsen’s strong national and international network of festivals and institutions. Their collaborators include institutions and festivals in Sweden, Denmark, and England – and, of course, the Arctic Chamber Music Festival on Svalbard.
“Formalizing our collaboration with a strong and close partner like the Arctic Philharmonic will benefit everyone. Together we can offer concert experiences of the highest quality while strengthening Nordic cooperation and cultural presence in Svalbard during a challenging time. We look forward to the 2026 festival and to developing it further together,” says Voksenåsen’s Program Director, Anna Florén.
The next festival in Longyearbyen is fast approaching. The Artistic Directors promise a festival of high artistic quality, with concerts suited both for those well-acquainted with classical music, the curious seeking a pleasant evening of music and togetherness, and families wanting to experience something fun together.
“This year’s program offers something truly special, featuring the Arctic Philharmonic Sinfonietta conducted by Christian Eggen, and star performers such as violinist Johan Dalene, singer Tora Augestad, and rising talents including Fischoff winners Quartett Saphir and Maya Broman Crawford Phillips,” says Peter Herresthal.
The festival’s Producer and Managing Director will be Sebastiaan Molenaar, who currently works with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra.
The Arctic Chamber Music Festival will take place 19–22 February 2026.
