FESTIVALTA is an international chamber music festival taking place in Alta, Northern-Norway, a long weekend mid-February every year. Alta, a small town situated well above the arctic circle, is famous for its salmon river, as the start&goal of Europe’s longest dog-sledding race and as a prime spot for experiencing the northern lights. Artistic director is the local-born, now Berlin-based violinist Miriam Helms Ålien, whose passion for chamber music, nature and community has inspired her to envision this festival combining the best of all worlds. Aiming to create a bridge between north and south, old and new, the festival seeks to provide concerts for everyone – whether seasoned hardcore fans or curious first-timers completely new to classical music. Nearly all the festivals 6-8 concerts take place in the town’s architectural jewel, the Northern Lights Cathedral, which seats 300-350 people at full capacity. Here, local neighbours and international guests gather to experience incredible performances at the highest level, presented in an authentic down to earth-atmosphere. The region’s incredible arctic nature provide further inspiration for both audience and artists – it is raw, honest and magical.