DRAUMKVEDET – Berit Opheim, Karl Seglem, Nils Økland, Sigbjørn Apeland

Friday, January 23 at 7:30 pm at Utne Church, you will have the opportunity to experience the great visionary poem DRAUMKVEDET (The Dream Poem). Berit Opheim interprets the poem together with three of her finest musician friends: Karl Seglem, Nils Økland, and Sigbjørn Apeland.

Draumkvedet, our most famous medieval ballad, is a true January classic and a tradition for many music lovers. One of our foremost folk singers, Berit Opheim, has worked with Draumkvedet throughout her entire artistic life and has performed it countless times. As no one else can, she conveys the story of Olav Åsteson, who falls asleep on Christmas Eve and awakens on the thirteenth day of Christmas.

In Utne Church, Berit Opheim interprets this great visionary poem together with three of her closest musician friends—Karl Seglem, Nils Økland, and Sigbjørn Apeland—each known for seeking new forms of expression and challenging the established. Draumkvedet in January, with Berit Opheim and these three outstanding musicians behind her, is an experience to be cherished, whether you are encountering the ballad of Olav Åsteson for the first time or returning to it as an annual tradition.

The point of departure for the concert is the CD release Opheim and Seglem made in 2009, in which the renowned medieval ballad emerges as a unique musical visionary poem.

“The warmth and resonance of her voice, and her delicate sensitivity to the ballad’s rich moods, draw you into the deep seriousness of the story. Her vocal command is total. She is the foremost in her art form and once again demonstrates her mastery.”
(Aftenposten on the CD release)

Berit Opheim, vocals
Karl Seglem, goat horn, electronics
Nils Økland, Hardanger fiddle
Sigbjørn Apeland, pump organ

The concerts at the Hardanger Folk Museum are organized in collaboration with the Hardanger Folk Music Collection, with support from the Norwegian Arts Council. At Utne Church, the concert is organized by the Hardanger Folk Museum and the Utne Parish Council.

The concert is also supported by the Norwegian Arts Council, Vestnorsk Jazz Centre, ffuk.no, and Vestland County Municipality.