Norway’s magical Trollfjord. Even the ship’s engines were silent as we glided in.
NORTHERN LIGHTS CHORAL VOYAGE: 17–25 OCTOBER 2025 – KIRKENES TO BERGEN
The general consensus among our 95 participants was that the Northern Lights Choral Voyage was one of TRBC’s best ever overseas events. In astronomical terms, all the stars aligned. MS Havila Pollux, our coastal cruise ship, was stylish, comfortable and extremely well managed by a predominantly Norwegian crew. The food was outstanding, featuring delicious local produce in imaginative combinations.
The music-making, under the skilful leadership of our newest conductor, Sam Evans, with our regular cruise pianist Maria Marchant, combined fun and technical advice in equal quantities. The final performance to the other guests on board showed just how much improvement in ensemble, blend and expressiveness can be achieved in two hours a day over a week. The dazzling icing on the cake was the obliging appearance of the Northern Lights on the very first night of the southbound voyage, a spectacle to be repeated several times.
27 of us did the northbound leg from Bergen to Kirkenes (without singing). Sam, Maria and the remainder of our group then joined us for the return trip. When we were not making music, we were watching the hustle and bustle of the often short shore visits. Goods, post and passengers were quickly and efficiently loaded and unloaded at numerous small ports. The steep-sided fjords of Northern Norway didn’t disappoint, displaying dramatic snow-covered peaks and crystal-clear water. The ship was small and manoeuvrable enough to navigate the 100-metre wide Trollfjord, at the end of which it executed a perfect three-point turn. Powered by natural gas, the engines were also able to run silently on battery power, adding to the serene beauty and stillness of the landscape. As if on cue, a golden eagle flew across our bows just as we entered the fjord.
There were interesting cities to explore as well – Trondheim and Bergen being particular favourites. All agreed that Norway is a very civilised country, helped in no small measure by huge reserves of oil and natural gas, the benefits of which you can see in impressive infrastructure and beautifully maintained public spaces.
Another Northern Lights Choral Voyage should definitely be on the cards for a return visit in a few years’ time!
Click here for the photo album.
Feedback from our singers:
‘Many, many thanks for a superb week of singing with Sam Evans – I found him truly inspirational.’ (ASW)
‘What a terrific trip . . . one of the most enjoyable music events I have taken part in! These events are a real tonic.’ (BP)
‘What a wonderful experience, shared with a bunch of enthusiastic singers and an inspiring conductor – not to mention astonishing scenery along with a sprinkling of Northern Lights. Altogether memorable. As new converts to TRBC events, we shall be keeping an eye on the website.’ (A&RQ)
‘Another fantastic trip, this time along the Norwegian coast. As ever, thank you so much for all your wonderful organisation and support!’ (JI-H)