Aarhus might be Denmark's second largest city, but this year it's the capital of music celebrating its musical heritage with a series of events called Music City Aarhus 2022.

The celebration continues throughout the year, and the aim is to restart live musical entertainment across the city and to bridge the gap between culture and business by bringing the city's citizens and visitors together around music.

Music City Aarhus 2022 is launching on 26 March with a large, free opening concert on the central square of Bispetorvet featuring a line-up of local Aarhus artists, each paying tribute to the city and its impressive musical tradition*.

Up and coming artists performing on 26 March include JJ Paulo, Sarah Wichman (Rigmor), Emil Johannesen (Zar Paulo), Kajsa Vala and Asbjørn, who have all chosen to interpret well-known songs from some of the city's musical legends, that have helped to define Aarhus over time and will be performing with the backing of the Antonelli Orchestra.

Talking about the concert Kajsa Vala said "I have chosen to sing Home to Aarhus. For me, it's the sound of growing up in Aarhus in the 80s and 90s. The song reminds me to disembark from Peder Paars or Niels Klim (the names of two ferries) after a trip to Copenhagen, and drive through a rain-heavy town and see the old Philips neon commercial at Banegårdspladsen. I can't wait to present my take on the track."

Also on the opening day will be a so-called 'music route' to follow through the city with several free concerts, city walks, a mini festival by the Royal Academy of Music and much more.

Aarhus is already a member of the Music City Networks including 9 other cities around the world, and the city is also the home of Den Jyske Opera (The Jutland Opera), The Royal Academy of Music as well as Aarhus Symphony Orchestra.

Further highlights of the year include SPOT Festival on 6 – 7 May, featuring aspiring Danish and Scandinavian artists, as well as Aarhus Jazz Festival on 9 - 16 July. In addition, a huge programme of concerts is planned at Aarhus Concert Hall (Scandinavia's largest concert venue) to celebrate their 40th anniversary on 27 August, and the annual Aarhus Festival on 26 August – 4 September, will be a 10-day celebration of music, art and culture.

Another music highlight will be the NorthSide Festival. Denmark's most sustainable music festival it is taking place from 2 – 4 June 2022 and will be adding to its green credentials of using recycled plastic cups and running on 100% green energy by announcing that it will be serving only plant-based meals for the first time this year. The festival will feature international artists such as Lewis Capaldi and Nick Cave.

For further information on Music City Aarhus 2022 see www.musiccityaarhus2022.dk/aabning

Ends

Notes to editors

The official opening of Music City Aarhus 2022 has been made with support from the Salling Foundations and Aarhus Municipality as well as in collaboration with a number of other partners.

*Opening concert

Hotel Area: Bispetorvet

Time: 5 p.m.

Entry: Free

For more info and images, please contact VisitDenmark UK's PR & Press Manager Maria Thuesen Bleeg: marble@visitdenmark.com