Song Circus: Graatarslagjet

New vocal song cycle based around one of Norway’s grisliest folk tunes
Song Circus: Graatarslagjet
Kulturkirken Jakob
14/9, 14.00
250/150 NOK

Therese Birkelund Ulvo: Absence (2019, WP of complete version)
Nils Henrik Asheim: Tuning Voices (2019)

Britt Pernille Frøholm – Hardanger fiddle
Tove Kommedal – video

Song Circus:
Liv Runesdatter – vokal
Stine Janvin Motland – vokal
Ingeborg Dalheim – vokal
Signe Irene Stangborli Time – vokal

One of Norway’s leading vocal ensembles, Song Circus, is based in Rogaland, western Norway. Graatarslagjet, a themed concert for which they have commissioned new works from Norwegian composers Therese Birkelund Ulvo and Nils Henrik Asheim, is inspired by the legendary folk song of the same name, from the region. The story is set in winter, with a wedding party on its way from the church and crossing some water, when the ice cracks and everyone drowns. A lone fiddle floats to the surface, playing a melancholy, ghostly tune.
Both composers have written new works loosely inspired by this story, and the concert includes the incomparable sound of the traditional Norwegian Hardanger fiddle played by Britt Pernille Frøholm. In addition, the visual artist Tove Kommedal will accompany the performance with a concert installation representing death as a vital force.