The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra is one of Norway’s two national orchestras. Dating back to 1765, it is also one of the world’s oldest orchestras, and enjoyed a close relationship with Edvard Grieg, born in Bergen and the orchestra’s artistic director during the years 1880–82. In 2003 the American conductor Andrew Litton became principal conductor and artistic advisor of the orchestra, a relationship that was strengthened in 2005 when the contract was renewed and Litton was made artistic director. Under Litton’s direction the orchestra has been increasing its international activities, as exemplified by a successful European tour in 2005 which included three concerts in the Vienna Konzerthaus. In 2007 the orchestra will visit Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Royal Albert Hall in London and the Carnegie Hall in New York.

As the first Norwegian orchestra, the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Ole Kristian Ruud, has recorded the complete orchestral music by Grieg, including a two-disc concert version of Grieg’s and Henrik Ibsen’s Peer Gynt.