Concert Activity
The inaugural concert was on 30 November 1979. Herbert Blomstedt conducted the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Choir in Franz Berwald's Sinfonie singulière, a commission from Sven-Erik Bäck - the cantata 'Vid havets yttersta gräns' (words by Östen Sjöstrand), and the Symphonie fantastique by Berlioz.
Since 1979, Berwaldhallen has been home not only to the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, but also to the Swedish Radio Choir. It also welcomes guest orchestras from Sweden and abroad. Most SRSO concerts at the hall are broadcast live nationally on P2 while others are also broadcast via the European Broadcasting Union.
Berwaldhallen is named after Franz Berwald one of Sweden's foremost composers of the 19th century. At the main entrance to the concert hall there is a sculpture of Berwald by the Swedish artist Carl Eldh.
Since 2003 the Östersjöfestivalen (Baltic Sea Festival) in late summer each year is based at the Berwaldhallen for a series of events. Orchestras from around the Baltic and northern Europe participate, including youth ensembles.
The building is sometimes casually called "the mine" (gruvan) in reference to the hall's location partially underground.
Diplomatstaden and the American embassy are located next to Berwaldhallen.
Coordinates: 59°20′00″N 18°06′02″E / 59.33333°N 18.10056°E / 59.33333; 18.10056
Read more about this topic: Berwaldhallen
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