Welcome Reception Mingle

Date and time: Wednesday 14 October, 17:30 – 20:00

Fee: SEK 400 + VAT (=SEK 500 incl VAT)

OPERA

Thomas Flodin is a tenor based in Strömstad. He is a member of the permanent ensemble at the Oslo Opera, where he is currently performing in “The Rake’s Progress*” by Stravinsky and “Elektra” by Strauss. Over the years, he has worked in the region as an organiser of the Kosterhavsfestivalen and the Winter Word Festival. Thomas is also engaged as a soloist and for educational work in the region.

Karin Fjellander is an opera singer employed by the Gothenburg Opera. She is also a trained gender studies scholar and works actively to introduce gender studies perspectives into the opera industry. Together with Amanda Elvin on piano, she runs the YouTube channel and Facebook page ‘Veckans romans’ (Romance of the Week), where, every week since September 2021, they have been publishing a recording of a romance composed by a woman. Karin was previously the solo soprano in the opera metal band Therion; in total, she sang in 105 concerts with them around the world between 2004 and 2006. She aspires to an authentic, bold and unpretentious art of opera that dares both to be playful and to take a firm stand.

Dan Lindén is an established pianist and conductor from Gothenburg who now lives outside Oslo. Dan has, among other things, been the musical director for Hair at the Gothenburg Opera and the musical director for Little Shop of Horrors at the Gothenburg City Theatre. He has performed with many of the Nordic region’s leading artists, including Björn Skifs, Helen Sjöholm, Molly Sandén, Miriam Bryant, Sven-Bertil Taube and Sissel Kyrkjebø.

CIRCUS

Silea – Heart-warming and enchanting dance on a tightrope.

Silea graduated from the State Ballet and Circus School in Berlin and is a world-class tightrope walker and aerial acrobat. She has been touring with her street variety show for many years. As well as tightrope walking, she performs bottle balancing and magic. With warmth, a twinkle in her eye and a great deal of daring, Silea takes to the stage and invites the audience to experience enchanting artistry in the classical style… but with a little extra.

For several years, Silea has performed alongside Carl-Einar Häckner, toured with the Riksteatern and performed on numerous stages across the country and the rest of Europe.

FIRE

Hrifningu fire show with Nordcirkus

Hrifningu is a powerful and evocative fire performance. It allows the audience to be captivated by the fire and swept away by powerful Viking-inspired music, specially composed for the show.

MINGLE ARTISTS:

Silea on a tightrope:
She moves between Berlin and the Swedish west coast, balancing on glass bottles or on a tightrope. Sometimes she uses a very thin rope and wears ballet shoes. Welcome to Silea’s world.

Florence’s Stilt Party:
Allow us to introduce, straight from the deepest of forests, our queen: Florentina the First – Princess of the Fauna. Or simply Florence, as she is known to everyone… With equal parts playfulness and elegance, she brings the party atmosphere to a fever pitch and spreads warmth, joy and a breath of fresh summer air. Curious and fearless, she explores the human world and the people she meets.

Pole artist:
Tony Hadders trained at circus schools in Stockholm and Copenhagen before settling in Gothenburg. For the past 20 years, he has worked as a fire artist and circus performer. His main discipline is the so-called Chinese pole, and that is exactly what you will get a taste of during the evening.

Congress Banquet

Date and time: Thursday 15 October, 19:00 – around midnight

Fee: SEK 1300 + VAT (SEK 1625 including VAT)

A festive three course dinner with entertainment, located at Eriksbergshallen.

Eriksbergshallen was formerly Eriksbergs Mekaniska Verkstad until 1979, where sparks from welders once filled the air. Nowadays, the tools are replaced with microphones, spotlights and meetings – this is where the 1997 Swedish Melodifestivalen held its grandiose party. Now it is time for NOK 2026!

Banquet Entertainment

Runaway Jam — high-energy live music that turns every evening into a celebration.

Runaway Jam is a high-energy live band led by Swedish singer Hedvig Aspenberg, celebrated for their vibrant sound, strong stage presence, and a tight horn section.

For the Nordic Congress of Ophthalmology, the band will begin with an elegant ocean-inspired mingling set during the welcome drinks. After dinner, they will transform the room into a vibrant dance floor. With extensive live experience and a natural connection to the audience, Runaway Jam knows exactly how to build the atmosphere and keep everyone dancing all night.

Their repertoire spans from groovy soul and disco to beloved pop hits and timeless rock classics — all delivered with warmth, musicality, and irresistible swing.

Somos Tango Stockholm

Somos Tango Stockholm is a tango school founded in 2023 by four professional dancers and teachers: Sara Westin, Juan Pablo Canavire, Adrián Ferreyra, and Dulce Lauria. Their journey began years earlier in Buenos Aires, where they trained and worked together at the renowned DNI Tango School.

Built on values of passion, professionalism, respect, and kindness, Somos Tango aims to share tango not only as a dance, but as an art form, a social experience, and a deeply human way of connection.

Let’s click our heels together with Sara Westin, Dulce Lauria, Adrián Ferreyra and Juan “Juampi” Canavire!

President’s dinner

Date and time: Wednesday 14 October, 19:00

Special invitations only

President’s dinner (special invitations only) will be held at Elite Park Avenue Hotel situated at the very heart of Gothenburg, at Kungsportsavenyn close to Götaplatsen. During dinner, the eminent ophthalmic duo Gauti Johannesson and Markus Karlsson – alias the Glaucoma Guys – will entertain.

Dinner entertainment

The group “The Extent” offers American jazz with unexpected Swedish touches. A young and energetic band that moves freely between tradition and the present day, where improvisation takes centre stage – with passion, curiosity and a joy of playing.

Members:
Nathanael “Nkeyz” Wiczak – keyboards
Nils Bygdell – electric guitar
Svetoslav Lozenski – electric bass
Nils Norrby – drums

Guided running tour through Gothenburg

Date and time: Thursday 15 October, 06:00 – 07:00 a.m.

Fee: SEK 125 including VAT

The fee includes a small present.
Join a guided tour through the streets of Gothenburg. We meet at 6:00 AM at the entrance of Svenska Mässan. This tour is suitable both for those who want to run at a faster pace and for those who prefer a more relaxed tempo.

Please note, this activity may be canceled if the number of participants is too low. (If the organizers cancel the tour, you will get the fee reimbursed.)

Guided tour of World of Volvo

Date and time: Friday 16 October, 18:00 – 20:00

Fee: SEK 625 including VAT

The fee includes lighter food and a drink.
Step into a world of possibilities where innovation, design, and creativity come to life. Our exhibitions explore everything from Volvo’s heritage and future to a unique mix of technology, inspiring art, stories, and groundbreaking ideas. We meet at World of Volvo at 18:00.

More information at: https://www.worldofvolvo.com/en/

Please note, this activity may be canceled if the number of participants is too low. (If the organizers cancel the tour, you will get the fee reimbursed.)

Guided tour of Gothenburg Museum of Art

Date and time: Saturday 17 October, 13:00 – 14:00

Fee: SEK 200 including VAT

The fee includes entrance and guide.
At the Gothenburg Museum of Art, you’ll find one of Northern Europe’s finest art collections. Here, works by masters such as Rembrandt, Picasso, and van Gogh sit alongside contemporary artists like Charlotte Gyllenhammar, Lina Selander, and Cajsa von Zeipel.
Welcome to wander through the galleries from the Renaissance to the present day to reconnect with your favorites or discover new ones. We meet at the Museum 13:00.

Mor information at: https://goteborgskonstmuseum.se/en/

Please note, this activity may be canceled if the number of participants is too low. (If the organizers cancel the tour, you will get the fee reimbursed.)

Paddan sightseeing boat

Get on a classic sightseeing boat in the city centre at Kungsportsplatsen. During the tour, you will travel through the old moat and canals from the 17th century. You will learn about the history of Gothenburg and how the city was built and protected.

On the way, you will see famous places such as the Gothenburg Opera House, Feskekörka, Läppstiftet, the old shipyard areas, and beautiful green parks.

The guide on the boat will tell interesting stories about the city’s past and present. You will hear facts, stories, and fun details about the places you pass. This boat tour is one of the most popular and well-known ways to experience Gothenburg, and it is operated by Strömma.

The boats are in service Friday to Sunday during October. For more information and tickets, visit www.stromma.com/en-se/gothenburg/