Vesterveg – A Meeting of Norwegian and British Folk Music at the Hardanger Folk Museum.

Concert: Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 7:30 PM

Performers:

• Ingrid Sørheim – melodeon
• Lisa Haugeland – Hardanger fiddle
• Bob Downham – bagpipes

“Vesterveg takes the listener on a musical journey westward: by blending modern and traditional tunes from Norway and England, they create an exciting combination of lyrical and powerful music, all rooted in deep respect for their own traditions.” – Catriona Macdonald, String Sisters

The student exchange program between Norway and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne has borne fruit: Vesterveg thrives as a musical collaboration across the North Sea.
Their music seamlessly blends original arrangements, ancient traditional tunes, and modern compositions. The result is a unique and diverse soundscape unlike anything else.
Drawing on repertoire and musical heritage from across Scandinavia and the British Isles, Vesterveg explores their shared musical history and combines the best of each musician’s traditions.

When Ingrid Sørheim (Norway) brings her powerful melodeon, Lisa Haugeland (Norway) adds her hypnotic Hardanger fiddle, and Bob Downham (UK) joins with his lyrical flutes and bagpipes, the result is a dynamic fusion firmly rooted in folk music yet delivered with a fresh, modern twist.

About the Musicians

Ingrid Sørheim (b. 1996) from Norheimsund in Hardanger is a freelance folk musician specializing in the melodeon. She holds a bachelor’s degree in traditional music performance from the Ole Bull Academy. During her exchange program in Newcastle, England (2018–19), she fell in love with British folk music. Known for captivating audiences with her heartfelt performances and warm presence, Ingrid also delves into her native Hardanger traditions and composes songs with the folk band Veijr.

Lisa Haugeland (b. 1993) from Flekkefjord is a musician based in Kviteseid. She studied folk music at the University of South-Eastern Norway, Rauland campus. Lisa has immersed herself in the traditional music of her home region, Vest-Agder, while also maintaining a deep affection for British music. She is currently active in the trio Vesterveg and the duo Gautefald and Haugeland.

Bob Downham (b. 1999) plays flute and Irish bagpipes. Originally from Ledston Luck, West Yorkshire, Bob holds a bachelor’s degree in folk and traditional music from Newcastle University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in composition. Passionate about Norwegian folk music, he spent time as an exchange student at the University of South-Eastern Norway, Rauland campus.

The concerts at Hardanger Folk Museum are arranged in collaboration with the Hardanger Folk Music Collection and supported by the Norwegian Arts Council