Opening Concert

19.30 Uhr | Montforthaus

Lasse Thoresen YR op. 23 (for Violine solo and Dance)
Edvard Grieg Varen for choire a capella

Ragnhild Hemsing, Violine
N.N., Choreography and Dance
Iiro Rantala, Piano
Kammerchor Feldkirch
Benjamin Lack, Musical direction


Yr – a Norwegian word meaning as an adjective “wild, mad” and as a noun “a fine drizzle” – and all at once we are catapulted us into the idiosyncratic northern way of life and expression - for the composer Lasse Thoresen has pointedly named a piece for violin “Yr” with reference to the tradition of the “Slåtter”, i.e. Norwegian peasant dances, which he revives in contemporary music in his own style.  This opening concert of the Feldkirch Festival 2012 also features a dancer, thus emphasising how uninhibited and earthy the supposedly noble arts relate to the popular arts in the far north. A colourful evening of music and entertainment in the truest sense of the word awaits us, with solos and choral works, for example, by Edvard Grieg. The Norwegians call: “Hjertelig velkommen!” and the Finns respond with “Tervetuola!” They let us share their rousing tones with their own special appeal.