The Music of Norway is coming to Cambridge Folk Festival

This year, Cambridge Folk Festival is delighted to shine a light on the thriving music and culture of Norway by pairing with Music Norway and FolkOrg, with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in London, to host four of Norway’s most dynamic roots musicians during a dedicated four hour slot between 4:10 PM and 8:10 PM Sunday afternoon:

Ævestaden - Alexander Aga Røynstrand - Erlend Viken Trio - Julie Alapnes

Swedish-Norwegian trio Ævestaden create a unique soundscape when timeless harmonies, and layers of simple motifs, create an open and atmospheric world, using varying instrument combinations, with lyres, fiddle, kantele, vocals, mouth harp and electronics.

Alexander Aga Røynstrand has distinguished himself as a leading figure in the world of Hardanger fiddle players in Norway. He's earned the well-deserved title of 'Master Fiddle Player', marking his exceptional skills and contributions to this traditional art form.

With Hardanger fiddle, el-guitar and double bass, Erlend Viken Trio presents a rare sound based on traditional music, inspired by improvisation, desert blues and rock. Known for their energetic live shows, the trio has played concerts all over Europe.

Violinist Julie Alapnes is a well-known north Norwegian musician and composer who blends traditional Norwegian folk tunes with elements from a diverse musical universe into a unique, artistic expression of storytelling.

These not-to-be-missed performers will be featured on the brand-new look Stage 3, which was unveiled last year and proved a great success in providing a platform for the brightest rising stars of the contemporary roots music world.

Tone Østerdal, director for Music Norway said: “We are delighted to see 4 Norwegian artists showcase at Cambridge Folk Festival this year. There´s so much talent within the Norwegian folk music scene at the moment, and it´s fun to see that artists who has partaken in our capacity building program EX.TRA and artists who did brilliantly at Showcase Scotland earlier this year is given this opportunity to expand their endeavours. I feel assured that they won´t let the Cambridge audience down.”

Ann Helen Erichsen, Director for Folkelarm/FolkOrg Norway added: “We are really excited about the possibility provided by Cambridge Folk Festival for our four artists. The artists represent four different unique styles, deeply rooted in their local tradition. It´s almost as if you can see and feel the different landscapes from where the artist and music has its origin. Each of the artists has their own fresh approach to Norway’s musical traditions, and we can’t wait for the audience at Cambridge to discover them.”

Lisa Schwartz, Programming Manager/Senior Consultant for Cambridge Folk Festival said: “We are so very proud to present these extraordinary artists from Norway. Each one bringstheir own unique style, blending the traditional with the contemporary and creating something altogether new and exciting. They are exceptional musicians and wonderfully gracious people and I know our audience will love them!”