Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra appoints Sir Mark Elder as Principal Guest Conductor

Norway’s Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra has today announced the appointment of Sir Mark Elder as its Principal Guest Conductor. His initial term, set to run from 1 August 2022 to 31 July 2025, will open with Delius’ monumental choral and orchestral work A Mass of Life.

Sir Mark said: ‘I am delighted to join the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra at such an exciting time in its long and distinguished history,’ comments Sir Mark Elder. ‘I look forward to working again with this wonderful orchestra and bringing A Mass of Life to Bergen, a place Delius knew through his close friendship with Edvard Grieg, who was artistic director of the Bergen Philharmonic in the 1880s. This rarely performed masterwork, a celebration of the human spirit, is the ideal piece to mark the start of our new partnership.’

Sir Mark Elder has taken many roles throughout his illustrious career, including music director of English National Opera (ENO), of The Hallé, and of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in the US, as well as principal guest conductor of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and of the London Mozart Players. Sir Mark has also been Principal Artist of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment since 2011.

In taking on this new role, Sir Mark commented: 'It is a particular pleasure for me to be invited to take part in the orchestra’s development under the guidance of its Chief Conductor, my friend Edward Gardner. Edward, who was my assistant at The Hallé in the early years of his career, has achieved remarkable things with the Bergen Philharmonic.'

Gardner, who himself initially joined the Norwegian orchestra as principal guest conductor in 2013, becoming principal conductor in 2015, said 'I’m thrilled that Mark will be joining us as Principal Guest Conductor,' he says. 'I’ve known Mark all my career; he was a wonderful support to me as a mentor at the beginning and now is a great colleague and friend. The Bergen Philharmonic will benefit so much from his brilliance and passion.'​

Awarded the CBE in 1989, Sir Mark was knighted in 2008, and made a Companion of Honour in 2017. He won an Olivier Award in 1991 for his outstanding work at ENO, was named Conductor of the Year by the Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) in 2006, going on to receive Honorary Membership from the RPS in 2011.

Bernt Bauge, chief executive officer of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, said: ‘This is a unique opportunity for us to gain a true Nestor, a man of wisdom and great experience, and a grand maestro in British musical life.’

Sir Mark will also conduct the orchestra in this Saturday’s final of the Queen Sonja International Music Competition (20 November), which will be streamed live on the orchestra’s free Bergenphilive platform, as well as on radio station NRK Klassisk.

You can find out more about the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra at their website.