Welcome to a silent film concert in Nidaros Cathedral

In 2023, we presented the groundbreaking silent film classic Körkarlen in the cathedral, and Kosmorama is proud to continue the successful collaboration with Parish of Nidaros Cathedral for our 20th edition in 2024.

"We are repeating the success from last year and inviting you to a silent film concert in Nidaros Cathedral. One thing I can promise is that it won't be a silent film! The Steinmeyer organ in Nidaros Cathedral has an incredibly vast palette that is well-suited to add vibrancy to what is shown on screen. We have invited one of the foremost organ improvisers we know, Wolfgang Seifen, who regularly performs in Berlin, to accompany the film with a variety of moods through the organ.

The film "Faust" is an old German legend where the battle between good and evil unfolds. The old alchemist Faust becomes the subject of a wager between an archangel and the devil, and the winner will gain dominion over the Earth. We believe that viewing the film in Nidaros Cathedral will provide a different perspective. Perhaps the film becomes an expression of hope and faith in the good in a world that otherwise seems quite dark."

- Vegard Naustdal, producer at the Parish of Nidaros Cathedral.

About the Film

The legend of Johann Faust has been told in various versions – perhaps most famously in J.W. Goethe's epic drama and this impressive film by F.W. Murnau. In the opening scene, the demon Mephisto makes a wager with an archangel: if he can weaken the old alchemist Faust's soul and destroy all that is divine within him, the Devil will gain dominion over the Earth. Mephisto spreads his dark wings over the city where Faust lives and unleashes a deadly plague on the inhabitants. To end the plague, Faust signs a contract with Mephisto that has fateful consequences.

A Surround-sound Organ Experience

One unique feature of the Steinmeyer organ is that the tones from 10,000 pipes envelop the audience, providing an analog surround sound experience. The 40-ton organ was constructed for the grand Olav Jubilee in 1930 by G.F. Steinmeyer in Bavaria and is one of the largest in Europe. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the extensive restoration, costing over 50 million kroner.

Faust in the Nidaros Cathedral, on a large screen, with powerful organ music beneath the vaults, improvised by organist and composer Wolfgang Seifen, creates a unique, almost stylized Gothic expression that will undoubtedly be a rare audiovisual experience.

Doors open around 17:30. The event lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Dress warmly and welcome to a unique film experience!