Denmark’s dynamic second city, Aarhus, has been designated European Capital of Culture in 2017. The European Capital of Culture is an international, cultural project to show the richness and diversity of European culture, and to contribute to a greater mutual understanding between the citizens in Europe. Aarhus 2017 will take art and culture to the people, with more than 350 projects in development across the city and the Central Denmark region. An exciting line-up of events has already been announced, ranging from Viking performances to a modern ballet created by world-renowned artists. Aarhus 2017 promises a host of experiences, linked by the theme of ‘Rethink’, with a focus on acting and thinking openly, differently and better.
Several thousand artists, including both Danish and international stars, such as British music producer Jamie xx and choreographer Wayne McGregor, will join forces to create unique moments that rethink art, food, music and ballet on a grand scale, providing even more reasons to visit Aarhus. The city’s aim is to strengthen its image from a variety of angles: artistic, cultural, urban redevelopment, business and tourism.
The programme highlights for 2017 include:
1. In a unique collaboration between the Royal Danish Theatre and Moesgaard Museum, a spectacular outdoor performance of Red Serpent (“Røde Orm”) will be presented on and around the museum’s grass-covered roof.
2. Aarhus 2017 will also feature the acclaimed contemporary ballet Tree of Codes, an interpretation of Jonathan Safran Foer’s book of the same name. Dancers from The Paris Opera Ballet and Company Wayne McGregor will perform the ballet, which was created by McGregor and Jamie xx with renowned Danish visual artist Olafur Eliasson.
3. During summer 2017, a giant international art project will take shape, stretching more than two-and-a-half miles from Aarhus city centre to the beach. Presented by ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, THE GARDEN – End of Times, Beginning of Times, will examine the dramatic change in man and nature’s relationship over the past 400 years.
4. Danish Oscar award-winning film director Susanne Bier’s internationally-acclaimed movie trilogy will be transformed into three different art forms. The National Danish Opera will rethink her film “Brothers” for the stage and choreographer Palle Granhøj will turn “Open Hearts” into a ballet. Aarhus Concert Hall and the Betty Nansen Theatre will collaborate on a musical dramatisation of “After the Wedding”, directed by Danish stage director, Peter Langdal.
Official opening: Saturday 21 January 2017
Photo: Ravi Deepres
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