BIT20 Ensemble is a leading ensemble in the Nordics for the development and performance of contemporary music. With exceptional musicians mainly from the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and close ties with an innovative, internationally established composer community, we have a solid foundation for the future.
BIT20's history includes over 400 performed works, and more than 100 commissioned pieces. Modern art music, orchestral works, and opera are part of the ensemble's repertoire. We also focus on developing and inspiring artistic interest among children and youth, engaging more than ten thousand children in various outreach projects since 2007.
BIT20 is based in Bergen, with offices in Grieghallen, and has a small administration of five people both full time and part-time. The Sinfonietta consists of 17 members.
The Artistic Director at BIT20 Ensemble is a fixed-term appointment, with the current director's term ending in 2024. We are seeking a successor who will have the opportunity to leave their mark on the contemporary music scene in Norway and internationally for a three-year period starting in 2025. The position, in its current form, constitutes a 40% position, equivalent to approximately 15 hours per week. The Artistic Director works closely with BIT20's General Manager. The Artistic Director will program and develop the artistic profile and strategy of BIT20, while the General Manager is responsible for facilitation, administration, and financial management, as well as overseeing the ensemble's producers in program execution.
Responsibilities:
Set the artistic direction and plan programs from 2025.
Maintain a high artistic standard in programming.
Develop outreach programs for children, youth, and amateurs.
Ensure program implementation in collaboration with the administration.
Contribute to audience development and increased interest in contemporary music nationally.
Desired qualifications:
Broad experience in artistic work.
Strong network within the national and international contemporary music field.
Passion for contemporary music and artistic expression.
Musical, artistic, and curatorial competence.
Good understanding of both cultural and industry-related realities.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships.
Visionary capacity with communication skills to represent the ensemble in its future development.
BIT20 seeks workplace diversity that reflects the population in terms of gender, age, abilities, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.
Practical information:
Submit a concise application, a motivation letter containing ideas on how BIT20 can further develop (maximum 400 words), and your resume to General Manager Stig Rasmussen, stig@bit20.no.
Start date: January 1, 2025.
Position: 3 year fixed-term, 40%.
Application deadline: October 31st.
For questions about the position or the application process, contact General Manager Stig Rasmussen, stig@bit20/+47 97655217.
