Autumn in Northern Europe brings shorter days, longer nights, and a host of music, art, and film festivals. Here are some highlights:
SEPTEMBER
Sorø International Music Festival, Denmark
Now until 6 Sept on Sundays. Sorø Abbey Church is one of the biggest medieval churches in Denmark and it is well known for its beautiful sounding organ. Listen to internationally renowned organists, orchestras, soloists, and choirs perform in the Sorø church. The final concert will be a performance of Verdi's Requiem.
International Roma Music Festival, Porvoo, Finland
8-10 September. The main theme this year is Hungarian gipsy music, which will be performed by Hungarian groups. There will be art exhibits, a traditional tango ball, and presentations on the traditions of gipsys in Finland and other countries. www.porvoo.fi
Copenhagen International Film Festival, Denmark
21 September - 1 October. See the latest international films and meet with the cinematographers and actors who make them. There will be seminars and master classes with filmmakers from all over the world to answer questions and discuss current issues related to filmmaking and the media. www.copenhagenfilmfestival.com/
5th International Lahti Sibelius Festival
28 September - 1 October. The works of Finland's most famous composer performed by internationally and locally acclaimed musicians. www.lahti.fi/symphony
OCTOBER
Reykjavik International Film Festival, Iceland
28 Sept. - 8 Oct.
See international and home grown films in Europe's northernmost capital. The city council is organizing a lights out event on Sept. 28, where they will encourage everyone to turn their lights off for a half hour, so that people can gaze at the sky without light pollution, get a better view of the stars, and maybe see the Northern lights. www.filmfest.is
Tversted Jazzy Days 2006, Denmark
14-22 October, 2006
A jazz festival with national, international and Nordic performers. This year, Jamie Cullum will be performing. www.jazzydays.dk
Iceland Airwaves 2006
18-22 October
The lineup includes the Kaiser Chiefs, Wolf Parade, Brazilian Girls, Jenny Wilson, and many Icelandic bands. www.icelandairwaves.com.
NOVEMBER
Avanto Festival, Helsinki, Finland
17 - 19 Nov 2006
Helsinki's Avanto Festival concentrates on local and international media-art activities. Venues around town participate and audiences prepare themselves for some strange performances.
Stockholm International Film Festival, Sweden
16-26 November
A festival to launch young filmmakers and support innovative films in Scandinavia. http://www.filmfestivalen.se
