Get the Norwegian Christmas spirit! For those who miss home or who want to learn some more about Norway and Christmas music traditions - the Norwegian Institute and the Norwegian Embassy in Athens wish you, your families and friends, welcome!
Three Norwegian jazz musicians, Tine Skolmen (voice), Espen Eriksen (piano) and Gunnar Halle (trumpet), will put the audience into a Norwegian Christmas spirit by presenting improvisations on Christmas hymns and Norwegian traditional folksongs and carols, at the First Greek Evangelical Church of Athens, on Friday 11 December 2009 at 20.30 hours (see invitation below).
About the performers:
Gunnar Halle (trumpet)
Gunnar Halle is one of the most sought-after young trumpeters on the Nordic jazz scene and has contributed to many records. Educated at the Rhythmic Conservatory in Copenhagen, he now plays with Pierre Dørges Jungle (DK), Eivind Aarseth Sonic Codex Orchestra (NO) and this year’s “Jazz in Sweden artist” Josefin Lindstrand (SE).
Espen Eriksen (piano)
Espen Eriksen has a master in music from the University of Oslo and a versatile musical background spanning from Church organ to the successfully Norwegian pop-act Briskeby. He has worked with musicians such as Bendik Hofseth and Mats Eilertsen. He contributed as composer, arranger and pianist for the international record debut at Universal Records for Norwegian jazz diva Christina Bjordals.
Tine Skolmen (vocals)
Tine Skolmen is a multi talented woman, and has worked both as an actress and show hostess on TV, in addition to her musical career. She has studied at the West London Institute of Creative and Performing Art and at the Morley College in London. She has experience singing classical, jazz and opera music.
Program
First Part
The duo Gunnar Halle (trumpet) and Espen Eriksen (piano) present improvisations on Christmas hymns and Norwegian folk songs.
Second Part
Tine Skolmen, Espen Eriksen and Gunnar Halle sing typical Nordic Christmas songs with lyrics in Norwegian, Swedish and English.
1. Stille Natt (traditional)
2. Julekveldsvisa (composer: Arnljot Hoyland)
3. Mitt Hjerte alltid vanker (traditional)
4. Somewhere over the rainbow (composer: Harold Arlen)
5. Odet valde dig (composer: Rolf Lovland )
6. When you wish upon a star. (Composer: Leigh Harline)
7. Gabriellas sang (composer: Stefan Nilsson)
8. Deilig er jorden (traditional)
9. A piece of sky (composer: Michel Legrand)
10. Christmas Song (composer: Mel Torme)
