Scene Norway, a festival of Norwegian music, art, film and literature was opened at Kings Cross in London by Crown Prince Haakon on Thursday.

Scene Norway takes place at the grand new cultural venue Kings Place and is a special eight day celebration of Norwegian music, film, theatre, literature and dance, and is arranged as part of the London Jazz Festival. The Norwegian extravaganza is curated by BBC presenter Fiona Talkington and features some of Norway’s most celebrated musicians, artists and writers.

HRH The Crown Prince said the festival was especially relevant now that Norwegian contemporary music, above all jazz, rock and electronica, is enjoying considerable success internationally. “Here in Britain, both established and up-and-coming names have attracted attention in the media and found a new audience,” he said.

“London is an extremely important artistic arena, both within the UK itself and in an international context,” he continued. “When the Crown Princess and I lived here five years ago, we appreciated very much the wide range of cultural activities available, and continue to enjoy this every time we are back. For many Norwegian artists, London is their home away from home and a place they often return to for work and inspiration in a stimulating artistic environment,” the Crown Prince said.

(Aftenposten/Press release)

Rolleiv Solholm

Written by Rolleiv Solholm