Sonoko Miriam Welde announced as the new Artistic Director of Vinterfestspill i Bergstaden from 2024

Sonoko Miriam Welde has been announced as the new Artistic Director of the Vinterfestspill i Bergstaden from 2024, the Festival's 25th anniversary year.

She writes on her new appointment: "It is a great honour for me to take over as Artistic Director of Vinterfestspill i Bergstaden. In 2012, when I was 16, I was here and was able to play at some of the concerts during the festival when the wonderful Marianne Thorsen was the artistic director. I have very fond memories of that time, and my mother and I have subsequently talked a lot about how nice and welcoming it was. I was of course very happy when Øyvind Gimse invited my quartet to come this year. When festival director Bjørn Nessjø asked if I wanted to try my hand at artistic director, I immediately had many ideas for artists and works I would like to stage at the festival. I can't wait to present some of my great musician friends to you, but also artists I've admired from afar. Playing and listening to chamber music is one of the finest things one can do in life."

Festival director Bjørn Nessjø says: "Presenting young, promising performers is enshrined in our genetic material. Vinterfestspill i Bergstaden wants to contribute to the development of young performers, and give them opportunities and experience. One of classical music's biggest challenges is recruiting a younger audience so that we can ensure continued growth. Sonoko's network consists of many young, excellent Norwegian and international performers. This, together with Sonoko's extraordinary talent, will make Vinterfestspill i Bergstaden more relevant for a younger audience in the coming year."

Vinterfestspill i Bergstaden 2024 will take place Thursday 7 March – Sunday 10 March 2024 in the mountain city of Røros. We send our warmest congratulations to Sonoko!