In depth
Meet this year's festival profiles
At the top of the poster for 2026 are two musicians who are the best in their fields, while at the same time promoting and developing important cultural heritage
In the 38th edition of the Northern Lights Festival, we put the spotlight on cultural heritage and artistic innovation - at the top of the poster are two that in their own way represent this: Ragnhild Hemsing and Marja Mortensson
In addition to being at the top of the world in their respective fields, with unique dissemination capabilities, this year's festival profiles are invaluable stewards of their cultural heritage: Ragnhild gives Hardingfela new life, through innovative projects and commissioned works, while Marja is at the forefront of the continuation of the Southern and Usamese joike tradition, in a wonderful musical landscape.
Below you can read more about both Marja and Ragnhild and the concerts they front - optionally you can skip the formalities and head straight to the ticket purchase
Taking the harding fiddle to new heights
Ragnhild Hemsing
Ragnhild is particularly recognized for his ability to combine expressions from the Norwegian folk music with classical music. She made her debut at the age of 13 with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. Her ability to combine expressions from folk music with classical music has made her especially noted both internationally and here at home. During her career she has won a number of international awards, including the Arve Tellefsen Musikerpris in 2012, and all the major youth competitions in Norway in her field,
Through Ragnhild's oeuvre, the hardingfela has also found its place in art music, much to the delight of critics and audiences alike.
She will be honored to open the Northern Lights Festival 2026 and will take on the occasion Ola Kvernberg and the stringers of the Arctic Philharmonic. The programme will feature most everything from classic prunes to saterdals-afro, as well as a smoking fresh commissioned piece, signed Kvernberg.
On Sunday, February 1, Hemsing invites the eminent Barokans to the city, to perform The Norwegian seasons in the Cathedral. This is Vivaldi's monumental work in new costume, with a hardening fiddle and a baroque orchestra.
Guiding the Language of the Heart
Marja Mortensson
Marja Mortensson is one of our most important tradition bearers for the Southern and Usamese joike tradition, and has traveled the world with her concerts.
Born and raised in a reindeer herding family in Hedmark, Marja made a conscious choice early on to keep the language alive and pass it on to the next generations. The combination of Southern and Usamese yoik, with a very distinctive soundscape, has given her recognition at home and abroad. She has received numerous awards, including two Spellemann Awards for her publications.
The lyrics write Marja in Southern Sami, heart language. It is her way of developing her artist language, but also a conscious choice to keep the language alive and pass it on to the next generations. An invaluable work that requires tremendous daily effort. The melodies and the way of shaping the music are closely linked to the textual themes of the work. Telling and joiking with a double bottom, is part of the Sami heritage.
Marja Mortensson fronts two concerts this festival. Her most recent work, Jaevriegask, was commissioned for, and premiered at the Førdefestivalen 2025. IN Jaevriegask, Marja has been inspired by sacred mountains and mighty landscapes, and plays with her regular musicians, Daniel Herskedal and Jakop Janssonen, as well as Tromsøguitarist, Kristian Olstad.
Storverket, Raajroe — The Reindeer Caravan, marks the day of the Sami people, 6 February at the Main Stage of the House of Culture. Marja Mortensson has composed the work depicting the reindeer raid in large format, powerfully orchestrated by Daniel Herskedal. The work has only been performed once before, with the Norwegian Broadcasting Orchestra in 2021. For the Tromsø premiere, the Arctic Philharmonic and the Norwegian Wind Ensemble join forces and arrange a grand celebration of the day of the Sami people.
Take the concerts with you
Marja and Ragnhild present a very varied program during the Northern Lights Festival, secure your ticket today! See also the full festival programme here
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