To be or not to be in Copenhagen

The cultural riches of Copenhagen are, thanks to BMI, only a couple of hours away. The airline offers a number of convenient flights from both Edinburgh and Glasgow direct to the Danish capital.

Over the recent years Copenhagen has developed a strong reputation for providing a vast range of high quality cultural experiences and here is just a short introduction to what is on stage this year.

A new concert hall has just opened
In January this year, the doors opened on the much-awaited new Concert Hall
located in the Orestad North area. The opening of Konserthuset (the Concert Hall) means the arrival of a musical venue of high international standard as well as a new architectural landmark for the capital. The building, by architect Jean Nouvel, now puts Copenhagen on level with other cities around the world providing the best in modern acoustics as well as a unique visual setting for concert goers.

As you approach the Konserthuset a fabulous sight greets you. Its blue facade is monumental, yet airy, as if the building had been carved out of the sky. The constantly projected images onto this surface make the structure look as if it is in motion, organic and alluring.

Musical events in the four individual halls, the largest accommodating an audience of 1,800, will range from small-scale jazz concerts and chamber music to choral, rock and pop concerts as well as large symphony concerts.

For full programme: konserthuset.dk

A night at the opera
The Opera House opened in 2005 offers more than sublime music – It creates a stunning architectural manifestation on the waterfront.

The Opera is designed by Danish architect Henning Larsen and a number of Danish artists have contributed to the interior decor e.g. Per Kirkeby has created four bronze reliefs for the foyer, and Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson has contributed three light sculptures.

A world premiere on 28 March – ‘The visit of the Royal Physician’
P. O. Enquist’s compelling book on one of the most dramatic episodes in Danish history has been adapted to the stage as a grand-scale opera about tragic love, intrigue and lust for power. The composer Bo Holten will conduct the Royal Danish Opera Soloists, the Royal Danish Opera Chorus and the Royal Danish Orchestra.

Bo Holten might be a familiar name for many, as he regularly works as guest conductor with the BBC Singers and has appeared with them at several BBC Proms. The Royal Danish Orchestra is the world’s oldest – no other orchestra has as rich a heritage or as long a history, reaching as far back as to 1448.

Other performances this spring include Carmen, Tristan and Isolde and Le Nozze de Figaro. For further information including ticket reservation: operaen.dk

Another waterfront stage
The Royal Danish Playhouse is, since last year, Denmark’s new national stage for the dramatic arts. Every aspect of the playhouse has been custom designed to offer audiences the ultimate in theatrical experience. The Royal Danish Playhouse has even more to offer theatregoers. The waterfront foyer, promenade and footbridge terrace is used as venues for events of every kind.

In addition to the seasonal repertoires, the playhouse hosts public lectures, children’s activities, small concerts and a wide range of dramatic events. The café in the foyer is a great stop for tea and coffee when planning an evening’s event. Or why not stroll along the scenic oak footbridge, which connects the foyer with Nyhavn and the city’s main harbour-front promenade, Langelinie. For more information - skuespilhus.dk.

All is well
Each year from mid August the organisation Hamlet Sommer arranges performances of different renditions of Shakespeare's famous drama Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, still one of the theatrical dramas most often played in the world. They take place in the courtyard of the 400-year-old Kronborg Castle, perhaps one of the most famous buildings in Denmark and in Shakespeare's writings, the home of Hamlet.

Many performances have taken place at Kronborg since 1816 with names such as Lawrence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, John Gielgud, Kenneth Branagh and Derek Jacobi. By train, you can get to t Kronborg Castle, near Elsinore north of Copenhagen, in just over one hour. What better stage set could there be to see a performance of Hamlet? See hamletscenen.dk for more information.

Culture night, Friday 9 October
Every year, Copenhagen celebrates its Night of Culture with more than 500 cultural events in just one night. A total of more than 200 museums, churches, exhibition halls, galleries, political institutions, and other venues all over the city will open their doors reflecting the city's broad cultural landscape.

The whole city is an integral part of the Night of Culture, and the range of major and minor cultural institutions and venues - some are only open to the public on this particular night - mirrors how versatile Copenhagen culture is. It is a unique opportunity to explore new and unknown sides of Copenhagen - kulturnatten.dk.

More information on all aspects of a Copenhagen holiday, log on to visitcopenhagen.com

For flight bookings see bmi.com.