Lillehammer Opera Foundation presents
by César Franck
Based on Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson’s drama (1858)
Lillehammer | April 5-12, 2025
César Franck’s opera is based on one of Bjørnson’s first dramas, Halte-Hulda.
Between 1879 and 1885, the Belgian-French composer César Franck composed a full-length opera based on Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson’s play “Halte Hulda”. Bjørnson’s play depicts a strong and multifaceted female character, and in terms of power and expressiveness it can be compared to the greatest works of opera literature.
The opera has been undeservedly forgotten for more than a hundred years. The score was rediscovered at the Bibliothèque nationale in Paris, and the only time the opera has been staged in full in recent times was at Theater Freiburg in 2019. Now this work is being brought home to Norway and to Maihaugsalen in Lillehammer.
The Lillehammer Opera Foundation is producing Hulda in collaboration with the Maria Bjørnson Foundation.
Performances 2025
5. April
9. April
10. April
12. April
Creative team
Director:
Ivar Tindberg
Musical Director:
Martin Wettges
Costume designer:
Anette Werenskiold
Translator:
Trond Bjerkholt
Lighting design:
Tor Ditlevsen / Superlys
Soloists
Hulda:
Ivi Karnezi
Eyolf:
Torbjørn Gulbrandsøy
Gudleik:
Magnus Ingemund Kjelstad
Aslak:
Magne Fremmerlid
Gudrun and Huldas mother:
Ingeborg Gillebo
Svanhild:
Cleo Lee-McGowan
Gunnar:
Mikkel Fjeld Skorpen
Orchestra
Lillehammer Symphony Orchestra forms the base of the orchestra, which will be complemented by musicians from Orkester Innlandet and the pool of orchestral musicians established by Musikk i Innlandet.