Nils Økland & Sigbjørn Apeland Duo (NOR)

Violinist Nils Økland and keyboardist Sigbjørn Apeland have collaborated as musicians for thirty years and have explored the links between Norwegian traditional music and improvisation. Their latest album, Glimmer, released in 2023 on ECM, is an exceptionally beautiful and moving work that draws on the folk music of the Haugalandet region in western Norway. On this particular evening, we will be experiencing ambient music, combining Norwegian folk and ECM-style jazz, up close and personal – with a Hardanger violin and a harmonium. 

Before the concert, journalist-editor Adrienn Csepelyi will have a short chat with the performing artists.

The two musicians played together for the first time on Økland's 1996 folk, contemporary and improvisational album Blå Harding. Their friendship and working relationship have continued ever since. Apeland is a member of the Nils Økland Band and has released duo and trio albums. The two paid tribute to Norwegian violinist Ole Bull together in 2011 on the album Lysøen - Hommage À Ole Bull. Their next duo album had to wait twelve years, but it was worth it. Glimmer, that was released in 2023, came from Apeland, who collected songs from local singers in the Haugalandet region who have helped keep traditions alive. This gives the basis of the repertoire, which were later supplemented with original, own compositions. The latter range from pieces written for a film about Lars Hertervig, the great Norwegian landscape painter of the 19th century, to music inspired by modernist composer Fartein Valen. The live playing of the two musicians and the combination of the two instruments are even more amazing than the record.