January 23rd - February 1st 2025

From a jazzlegend to young talents

New artist release for 2025

Published October 16th 2024

We are excited to announce our second artist release for the upcoming festival! At the forefront is Nils Petter Molvær’s debut album, Khmer, from 1998.

Khmer is a groundbreaking cult classic that has had a tremendous impact across the Nordic jazz and electronic music scene. The fact that Molvær is now touring with this music, featuring the original lineup, is incredibly exciting, and it’s an opportunity we couldn’t miss to present in Tromsø.

Additionally, we are bringing back several of the Nordlysfestivalen’s traditional talent concerts. This includes collaborations with the music program at Kongsbakken, students from the Culture School, and students at the Music Conservatory.

Collaborations with Kongsbakken, the Music Conservatory, and the Culture School form the foundation of our focus on local talent development, engaging several hundred students each year, both on and off the stage. Moreover, the free lunch concerts at the Theatre Café and Bankhjørnet are a particularly delightful tradition, always packed with an audience! We are incredibly excited for a reunion with these!

New on the program for 2025:

KHMER

Thursday, January 30, at 8:00 PM, Main Stage, Tromsø Kulturhus

Nils Petter Molvær is one of Norway’s most internationally sought-after musicians and has made a significant mark in the world of improvised music in Europe. His debut album Khmer sold over 250,000 copies worldwide.

Ad Astra

Sunday, January 26, at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, Small Stage, Tromsø Kulturhus

Young dancers from the Culture School will have the chance to express themselves as creative artists and performing dancers. This will be a varied and exciting mix that challenges the dancers through the many expressions of art.

Kommende stjerner

Saturday, February 1, at 5:00 PM, Fest Hall, Rødbanken

This concert is a unique opportunity to hear what is happening in the music scene and possibly be part of discovering the upcoming stars who will shine in the music world for many years to come.

Nordlysfestivalen Lunsjkonsert 2701 foto Knut Åserud L1060762

Lunch-time concerts

with Kongsbakken students
January 24 and 25 at 1:00 PM, Teaterkaféen, Hålogaland Teater

As tradition dictates, you can enjoy the music, preferably accompanied by a cup of coffee and a snack. It’s a good idea to arrive a bit early to secure a spot – this is popular!

Nordlysfestivalen Lunsjkonsert 3001 foto Knut Åserud L1400134

Lunch-time concerts

Med studenter fra Konsen
January 27 to February 1 at 1:00 PM, Bankhjørnet, Rødbanken

Starting Monday, the Conservatory’s students will take over the lunch concerts, and we will move to Bankhjørnet in Rødbanken. It’s a good idea to arrive a bit early to secure a spot – this is popular!

Closing Time

24.01, 25.01, 31.01 and 1.02 at 22:30, Bakrommet, Amtmandens

Nothing is better than a free pub concert after a day at the festival. Here, the Conservatory’s students will serve everything from ballads and jazz to country and fusion!

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