Arctic Philharmonic

About us

Since its founding in 2009, the critically acclaimed orchestra has become one of Northern Norway’s largest and most active cultural institutions, presenting around 150 productions in various formats each year.

The orchestra regularly commissions new works and aims to present contemporary Norwegian music, with a particular focus on the High North, while also programming a broad spectrum of our shared musical heritage.

The organisation of the orchestra is both unusual and innovative. It is based in two Arctic cities, Bodø and Tromsø, with the whole of Northern Norway serving as its stage. The Arctic Philharmonic has also established a strong international presence through high-profile performances at prestigious concert halls such as the Mariinsky Theatre, Beethovenhalle, Großes Festspielhaus, Musikverein and Concertgebouw.

The Arctic Philharmonic performs in a variety of ensemble formats, ranging from smaller chamber groups and sinfonietta to chamber orchestra and, when all the musicians come together, a full symphony orchestra.