Instrument: Vocals

Amongst the Giselles and the Nutcrackers that will grace Oslo Opera House’s Main Stage this season sits a vital slice of Norwegian history from two emerging choreographers, Elle Sofe Sara and Hlín Hjálmarsdóttir.

Jonathan Watkins’ A Single Man is a compelling piece of dance theatre and a magnificent vehicle for the leading characters to shine as dancers and actors.

An eclectic programme including evocative Sámi joiks from and powerful Shostakovich performed from memory by the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra.

Aurora Orchestra turn Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony inside out to exhilarating effect in a dazzling performance in their Scottish debut. Abel Selaocoe’s Four Spirits, on the other hand, has surface shine but not much substance.

At an hour and three-quarters, Dance People was over-long and the slogan-ising brought it dangerously close to being yet another show fulfilling all the vaguely right-on aims of this year's Festival.

A fitting farewell for Leif Ove Andsnes' Rosendal Chamber Music Festival: imaginative programming and excellent performances in an inspiring setting. 

A gala to be remembered for the sheer number of stellar performances both in classical music and all forms of dance.