Bo Holten (born 22 October 1948) is a Danish composer and conductor whose career spans more than five decades. He founded the vocal ensemble Ars Nova in 1979 and Musica Ficta in 1996, which he still leads and which has given close to 1,000 concerts. Internationally recognised as a leading specialist in early vocal polyphony, he has guest-conducted ensembles including the BBC Singers and the Flemish Radio Choir. His catalogue of over 100 works ranges from the film score for Lars von Trier's 'The Element of Crime' to the opera 'Operation Orfeo', the most frequently staged Danish opera in history.
Musica Ficta performs on August 27, 2026 in Treenighedskirken in Esbjerg with vocal music from Shakespeare's time as part of Den Ny Operas Skærsommernat & Festival.
Musica Ficta held a Christmas concert in 2025 with Bo Holten as conductor.
Musica Ficta celebrated Bo Holten's 50 years as a composer with a concert on January 25, 2025 in Sankt Johannes Kirke in Copenhagen, where the world premiere of 'Fire surrealistiske madrigaler' with texts by Storm P. took place.
Wise Music Classical highlighted in January 2025 Holten's opera 'Livlægens besøg' as one of the most sold-out operas in recent years.
Musica Ficta gave a concert in Maribo Domkirke on April 13, 2025 under the direction of Bo Holten.
Vocal ensemble Musica Ficta and conductor Bo Holten present Renaissance madrigals and works by Dowland, Marenzio and Vecchi, with wine included after the concert.
Musica Ficta and conductor Bo Holten present highlights from the new box set The Kronborg Collection, exploring music from Kronborg's Renaissance court in the 16th and 17th centuries.