A Unique and Playful Concert

What happens when a group of young people armed with cell phones play alongside a symphony orchestra? You’ll find out during this unique and playful concert, where the Norrlandsoperan Symphony Orchestra joins forces with the Cell Phone Orchestra—a musical project that redefines the boundaries of what an orchestra can be.

In the fall of 2024, the “Mobile Phone Orchestra” project toured five towns in Västerbotten, where local young people—with absolutely no prior musical experience required—played specially composed music on their cell phones alongside professional musicians. Now the participants are gathering again, this time on the main stage of the Norrlandsoperan, for a finale featuring even more young people and the entire Norrlandsoperan Symphony Orchestra!

The music offers a mix of electronic sounds and inspiration from the inland regions of Västerbotten—all within a visually color-coded system where cell phones are transformed into instruments.

The project is part of Maxat—a three-year initiative supported by the Swedish Arts Council that aims to make music-making more accessible to young people in Västerbotten while also opening up new ways to experience orchestral music.

Welcome to a concert where tradition meets technology—and where the musicians of the future take the stage.

With support from the Swedish Arts Council.