Totally Stockholm 1
Opera: Nyårskonsert Next year is a very, very big
one for Kungliga Operan – they turn 250, with their premiere having come way back in 1773 (a performance of Thetis and Phelée, for the record). That doesn’t mean they’re hibernating until then however - there’s a few loose ends to tie up in 2022, not least the year’s last act, their annual New Year’s Eve concert. This year’s edition will have a French music theme, and Italian conductor Vincenzo Milletarì in the captain’s seat. And with next year being such a biggie, don’t be surprised if they have a trick or two up their sleeve. Nyårskonsert, Kungliga Operan, Dec 31 Fairground: Winter Wonderland Admittedly, most people normally associate Gröna Lund with bright blue Stockholm summers, but this year they’ve even got the chilliest of seasons in their sights. For the first time, they’re opening up a Winter Wonderland for Christmas, and it’ll be packed with all sorts of yuletide adventures. There’s food of course, including the classics like glühwein, candy apples and roasted almonds, a story spot where kids can meet all sorts of snowy characters, an elves’ workshop and even a set of bumper cars. It’ll be open from the start of December to early January. Winter Wonderland, Gröna Lund, open until Jan 8 Trädgården, Nationalmuseum, opens Feb 23 Exhibition: Trädgården Admittedly, this isn’t the first time the name Trädgården has found its way into these highlights, but for once we’re not talking about Södermalm’s favourite club. Instead, it’s the new exhibition at Nationalmuseet, looking at gardens – both their representation in art, and as works of art in their own right. The exhibition takes in six centuries, and takes a look at the historical trends and sparks in the interplay between gardens and art in that timeframe, from attempts to make nature pristine and tame to the embracing of chaos and wilderness. The story goes right up to the present day, including two new works by ceramicist Emma Helle, on the theme of paradise. Exhibition: Tham & Videgård If you wanted to see an exhibition about one of Sweden’s most celebrated architecture studios, where might you go? If your answer to that is ArkDes, congrats, you are a very logical person, and your reward is the new exhibition about Tham & Videgård, open from November. Founded by Bolle Tham and Martin Videgård in 1999, they’ve been responsible for some truly stunning buildings, including more than a few Stockholmers might be familiar with. This is also the first time ArkDes have had an exhibition on a currently active Swedish studio. Tham & Videgård, ArkDes, on display until Aug 2023 28 Photo: Kungliga Operan/Markus Gårder Photo: Hans Thorwid/Nationalmuseum Photo: Åke E:son Lindman