In Bræin's opera we meet Anne who is married to the older priest Absalon. He has a son from a previous marriage, Martin, who is the same age as Anne.
As she develops an intense and forbidden relationship with her young stepson Martin, rumors begin to swirl. Suspicions and gossip grow – not only about their love affair, but also about witchcraft and sorcery.
As Anne struggles with her own emotions and guilt, the society around her builds to a climax of fear and hysteria. What begins as a human conflict develops into a merciless witch trial - where morality, religion and power ultimately lead to tragedy.
Bræin's dramatic and expressive music elevates this story to a powerful musical and emotional level. The composer paints Anne's inner life with both darkness and beauty – and allows the audience to feel the passion, the pain and the inevitable fall.
The opera is based on Hans Wiers-Jenssen's classic play from 1908, and is inspired by the real Anne Pedersdotter, the widow of the famous priest Absalon Pederssøn Beyer, who was convicted and burned as a witch in Bergen on April 7, 1590.
Anne Pedersdotter is an opera that sheds light on historical injustices, but also asks timeless questions: What happens when society loses the ability to distinguish between sin and love, fear and facts? Edvard Fliflet Bræin himself said, "We recognize the people of that time in ourselves. We still have witch trials. It's only the masks that are different."
The Kristiansund Opera's production of this Norwegian masterpiece will be one of the highlights of 2026.
Conductor Øyvind Bjorå
Directed by Ingrid Forthun
Set designer Bård Lie Thorbjørnsen
Costume design Anette Werenskiold
Hair/mask Maren Togstad
Lighting design Agnethe Tellefsen
Choirmaster Elin Persson
Choreographer Lisbeth Rønning
Repeater Martin Bredin
Conductor Alice Strøm Nilssen
Absalon Pedersøn Beyer Kosma Ranuer Kroon
Anne Pedersdotter Sigrid Vetleseter Bøe
Merete Beyer, Siv Oda Hagerupsen
Martin Beyer Eirik Grøtvedt
Herlofs-Marte Christina Jønsi
Master Johannes Jørgen Backer
Master Laurentios Magnus Kjelstad
Master Olaus Simen Bredesen
Bishop Schelderup Jacob Abel Tjeldberg
Bente Ditte Marie Braein
David singing master Simen Bredesen
Jørund, Ole Andreas Silseth
Kristiansund Symphony Orchestra
Kristiansund Opera Choir
Illustration: Linnea Lyngvær