The Grieg Society of Scotland played notable part in this year’s ‘Ninadag’ – Bergen’s traditional celebration of the birthday of Nina Grieg on 24 November – with a special Norwegian-Scottish concert collaboration at Troldhaugen. Hosted by Troldhaugens Venner (Friends of Troldhaugen) it brought together esteemed Norwegian pianist Audun Kayser and our Honorary Director, Dr Sally Garden, in their first performance together. We quote from an article written in advance of the concert by our Honorary President Johanne Grieg Kippenbroeck. Originally published in Troldposten (n2 2019 Bergen), you can read the full article (på norsk) here.
“ A couple of songs from Haugtussa, sung in the characteristic dialect spoken by Edvard Grieg’s ancestors from North-East Scotland, will be one of the high points of this year’s ‘Nina Day’, when together with pianist Audun Kayser, the Scottish mezzo-soprano Sally Garden gives a concert in the Villa at Troldhaugen. “
Collaboration over the North Sea
“ Pianist and singer have talked together, from each their side of the North Sea, and put together a warm and interesting programme which in text and music will give us a deeper insight into Nina Grieg and her musical world. The programme will also include excerpts of letters from Nina to her close friend Hanchen Alme, with whom she kept contact throughout her life, following their days as young singers studying together in Copenhagen. “
“… there will also be played and sung a little Scots music on this evening in Nina’s own drawing-room, something which is relevant in all ways. For, not just Edvard, but Nina, too, has kinfolk who came here from Scotland. She is, from far back in history, a Christie. “
“ ‘The programme for the ‘Nina Day’ concert – not least through excerpts from letters not perhaps generally known – should give a more subtle picture of Nina than the most of us have. And we’ll also be reminded a little about her own, and also Edvard’s roots in Scotland’, says Audun Kayser. “
Author: Translated excerpts from an article by Johanne Grieg Kippenbroeck first published in Troldposten (n2 2019 Bergen). With thanks also to Troldhaugens Venner.