Celebration concert for Agathe Backer Grøndahl

Agathe Backer Grøndahl is considered one of Norway's leading composers and wrote some of the most outstanding romances of romanticism.

In addition to being a composer, she was one of the great piano virtuosos of the time, and she was frequently chosen to play renowned works. Among other things, she performed Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor under Grieg's direction.

About the concert

During this celebration concert we will meet Agathe Backer Grøndahl's Ten Sange op. 31, which was written to lyrics by the Norwegian writer and lyricist Vilhelm Krag. The work is written for baritone/mezzo-soprano and piano.

After Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, Vilhelm Krag is considered the most lyrical Norwegian poet of all time. A hundred or so composers have written music for his poems.

In opus 31 we find the well-known poem "Der skreg en fugl", which has been set to music by as many as eleven composers, including Johan Halvorsen, Christian Sinding, Edvard Grieg, and later by Agathe Backer-Grøndahl.

About the artists

Magnus Ingemund Kjelstad is a Norwegian baritone trained at the Opera Academy in Copenhagen, where he had Susanna Eken as a teacher. He is a sought-after concert singer and is constantly on stage in the Norwegian Opera.

Christian Grøvlen is the director of Kode's composer's home, and active as a performer and composer.

Practical information

The concert ticket also includes entrance to the museum and Grieg's villa.

The museum is open as usual, with tours of the villa, free audio guide in the outdoor area, cafe and exhibition.

Duration: 60 minutes.