When Leonard Bernstein and his group of sparky librettists chose Voltair´s revolutionary Age of Enlightenment novella to create an operetta they took on a major challenge. The story – about an innocent youth who weathers a series of spectacular misfortunes, but emerges resolutely optimistic – races around the world embracing earthquakes, murders, furious fires and all manner of disasters. But Bernstein was undaunted, producing a fabulous score which reflects all the bitter-sweet joy, sarcasm, wit and wonder of the text.

Read the synopsis for Bernstein's Candide here

We´re thrilled to have distinguished actor Kevin Whately as our narrator, brilliant young tenor Anthony Gregory as Candide, and award-winning young South African soprano Vuvu Mpofu as Cunegonde, and great Norwegian mezzo Randi Stene as the Old Lady. Candide is directed by rising star Thom Southerland.

Performed in English, the songs have Norwegian surtitles

Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
Edvard Grieg Kor
Bergen Philharmonic Choir

Semi-staged concert
Candide is usually presented as a semi-staged concert. This means that the singers and actors are wearing costume elements and there is a limited number of props. The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra is on stage during semi-staged concerts in and in the pit during fully staged operas.

New production by Bergen National Opera

Presented by Bergen National Opera and Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra

Hear our Cunegonde, award-winning young South African soprano Vuvu Mpofu, sing E Strano Sempre Libera, from La Traviata by Verdi:

Pictures from the first costume fitting: