Photo: Northern Connection
Northern Connection
Northern Connection is a new and innovative project that connects Nordic countries and Scotland by establishing and strengthening liaisons between composers, ensembles and festivals in contemporary music.
Northern Connection started in 2023 with the main partner countries Finland, Norway, and Scotland. The project continues with Iceland and Denmark joining. Northern Connection was initiated by Music Finland and is led by Nordic Music Export Offices.
Each country’s commissioned works will be performed at a festival in at least one of the partner countries.
The partners of Northern Connection are:
Music Finland, Musica nova Helsinki and defunensemble (Finland)
Music Norway, Ultima festival and Ensemble Temporum (Norway)
Scottish Music Centre, Sound Festival and Red Note Ensemble (Scotland)
Iceland Music and Dark Music Days (Iceland)
Art Music Denmark and Klang Festival (Denmark)
Read more: www.northernconnection.net
How to Ruin Someone’s Career as a Violist
In 2025, Northern Connection launched its first open call for a new commissioned work for Danish composers to be performed by Icelandic violinist Þórhildur Magnúsdóttir. The choice fell on Danish composer S. Gerup with the work How to Ruin Someone’s Career as a Violist. The work was premiered at Dark Music Days in Iceland and has since also been performed at Klang Festival 2026.