In Norse mythology, the Bifrost is the bridge between the worlds of men and gods, with one end anchored in Asgard, where Heimdall is the guardian, and the other end in Middle-earth. The gods could use Bifrost to travel from Asgard to Middle-earth, but no humans could find the other end and reach the realm of the gods.

NO MOTHERS

It's no coincidence that Nordhagen has chosen this particular theme for his 70-minute new work.

- So much of Norse mythology is often extremely colorful and multifaceted. For example, Heimdall, who guards Bifrost, is the son of nine mothers, who are sisters and quite different. Suddenly, an opportunity arose to write nine shorter pieces, one for each mother. "It would probably have been more difficult if the theme was a guy in a suit who didn't do anything unusual," laughs Nordhagen.

SPOR

Bifrost is the latest in a series of works from the orchestra's clarinettist. In 2013, he composed a work to mark the 40th anniversary of the Norwegian Youth Symphony Orchestra, and he has written for Tine Thing Helseth, the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra and contributed to the European Brass Band Championships in Oslo, to name but a few. But there is one performance in particular that he is particularly proud to have composed and arranged music for:

- Being allowed to help create TRACK four times has felt very meaningful. These are performances that mean an incredible amount to those involved and to those who watch and listen, and are one of the most important things a theater and concert hall like Kilden can do.

SPOR has been held atperforming arts centre Kilden performing arts centre 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022, and aims to foster understanding and inclusion among students with mental and physical disabilities and their typically developing peers.

STIG'S COMMISSIONED WORK TO KILDEN

In addition to his work with the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, Nordhagen composes and arranges music. February 1 is the day his work Bifrost will be performed atperforming arts centre Kilden performing arts centre a ten-piece brass ensemble consisting of the Oslo Brass Quintet and the Elvebyen Brass Quartet from Drammen.

The work has been commissioned by the ensembles and Nordhagen has spent "a good year" composing it. The work premieres in Bragenes Church in Drammen on January 28 and will also be performed in Elverum Church the following day before heading to Kristiansand.

LIFESTYLE

The composer admits that it will be special to hear something he has spent so much time on come to life: 

- Of course, it will be. But on the other hand, it's only natural that I have to release the work now that it's finished. I'm going to go to the world premiere, but I have to say that I'm really looking forward to hearing it performed in Kilden, which is such a big part of my daily life.