Dare to imagine a church echoing with melodies beyond sermons. This is Koncertkirken Blågårds Plads. It is not just a church. It is Denmark’s first concert church.
Koncertkirken opened its doors in October 2009. Paul Ostrup and Björn Ross were its masterminds. They envisioned a space where music transcended boundaries. Since then, Koncertkirken has become a haven. Music lovers from near and far visit. Danish and international artists enrich its cultural tapestry.
Over 1600 concerts filled Koncertkirken between 2009 and 2019. The genres spanned every imaginable style. Choirs, organ recitals, and baroque music resonated. Renaissance, medieval, world, and crossover music thrived. Modern, contemporary, classical, and opera found a home. Rock, pop, jazz, electronic music, and improvisation echoed. Cabaret, lieder, sound art, and cross-cultural concerts boomed. Noise, school concerts, folk, dance, and performance art flourished.
But Koncertkirken is more than just concerts. It also hosts film screenings and conferences. Workshops, modern dance performances, and theatre unfold here. Tango evenings, yoga sessions, lectures, and secular funerals occur. The range of activities constantly evolves.
Koncertkirken aims to present music of the highest quality. It encourages mixing genres. Its vision includes recording, teaching, and workshops. Masterclasses and meetings happen here too. The church strives for excellence, professionalism, and innovation. It provides great service and quality information.
Copenhagen needed its own concert church. Koncertkirken fills this need. It offers high-quality music on an international level. It is deeply rooted in Blågårds Plads and Nørrebro.
Koncertkirken sits centrally in Nørrebro. It is right in the heart of Blågårds Plads. The church has strong ties with local residents. It also partners with organizations and societies.
Anchored in the local society, Koncertkirken has a positive effect. It helps stabilize the dynamic multicultural environment. This area is rich in human and cultural resources. It faces social, economic, and cultural challenges. Koncertkirken helps harness the area’s creative potential.
Local residents can use Koncertkirken as a meeting place. It is a space for activities. The church collaborates with many partners. These include GONG Tomorrow Festival and Copenhagen Jazz Festival.
Since 2015, Koncertkirken is a cooperative. It is called Koncertkirken Blågårds Plads A.m.b.a. Björn Ross has been the general director since 2014. There are no employees. A pool of 20 volunteers helps with all tasks.
Koncertkirken’s activities receive support from various sources. These include Statens Kunstråd and Copenhagen City Council. Private foundations and partners also contribute.
In 2013, Blågårds Church was put up for sale. Koncertkirken negotiated with the church’s owners. In the summer of 2015, Koncertkirken bought the building. Years of hard work and perseverance paid off.
Today, Koncertkirken stands as a testament. It shows community, culture, and the power of music. Its unique atmosphere and diverse program make it special. Koncertkirken is more than a venue. It is a vibrant hub in the heart of Nørrebro.