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Norwegian folksinger to perform tonight

By Trent Chaffee '09
September 27, 2007

Norwegian folksinger Sinikka Langeland will perform at St. Olaf College on Monday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m. in Buntrock Commons, Lion's Pause. Langeland also is a composer and plays the kantele, Finland's national (and oldest) folk instrument. Audience members will be able to meet the artists at a CD signing immediately following the performance concert, which is free and open to the public.

StarflowersAlbum
The cover of Langeland's latest album, Starflowers.
Langeland will be accompanied by Finnish jazz percussionist Markku Ounaskari. The two artists worked together on Langeland's new album, Starflowers, which features the words of Norwegian poet Hans Borli and intertwines elements of folksong, literature and Nordic 'jazz,' opening the songs to improvisation. Due to her remarkable vocal and concert-kantele technique, Langeland has often been described as sounding like a whole orchestra all by herself.

Born in 1961 to a Norwegian father and Finnish mother, Langeland feels the pull of two nationalities and cultures. At age 20 she switched from guitar to kantele, a Finnish table harp with 39 strings and a five-octave range. One of Langeland's artistic inspirations is the local jazz scene in her hometown of Finnskogen, known as Norway's "Finnish forest" for its rich heritage, beautiful landscape and abundant wildlife. The town supports an active arts community.

"At first it was just an experiment," says Langeland. "I thought it would be fun to have a Finnish instrument for one or two songs. But I became completely fascinated by it."

Langeland's original music is rooted in her hometown culture and history. Her songs focus on the relationship between people and nature. Recording her first solo CD in 1994, Langeland tours with various ensembles and musicians within and outside the Nordic countries and has been interviewed in Norwegian newspapers, radio programs and television.

Contact Carole Engblom at 507-786-3271 or leigh@stolaf.edu.