20 Feb INTERVIEW ABOUT THE ROSENDAL CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL IN THE VILLAGE

Knut Vaage with three world premieres: 'It was a bit of a lightning bolt out of the blue when Leif Ove asked if I would be involved. In its final summer, the festival returns to its Norwegian roots, with Knut Vaage from Sunde in one of the main roles,' says Marie-Louise Knoop
(mane@grenda.no).

It was a bit of a lightning bolt out of the blue when Leif Ove asked if I would be involved this year, but of course, it was a very pleasant surprise," says Vaage on the phone to Grenda. He is in the middle of working on an opera but still makes time for a chat. They talk about the chamber music festival, the importance of art and culture for society, the roots of Baroniet, and, not least, about the upcoming and final edition of the Rosendal Chamber Music Festival. "It's extra special for me to be involved when the focus is on Norwegian roots and Grieg, and I’m really happy to be a part of it now, especially since this is the last chance," says Vaage. He recalls when he attended the Grieg Academy and Leif Ove Andsnes joined a few classes below him. "I was there as a slightly older and far less skilled pianist," he laughs and adds, "But I never had ambitions to become a classical pianist. So, I thought it was really fun to hear that a young person straight out of middle school was so talented." The two have kept in touch, and when Andsnes asked Vaage to be a part of this year’s chamber music festival, there was no doubt. "It's no small program he's arranged. I have a lot to look forward to, as my works are spread out over the days. It will be like a little puzzle for those who attend all the concerts, where they can pick up the pieces each day," says Vaage. During the festival, Vaage will have three world premieres. These works depict nature’s states, specifically spring, summer, and autumn. Vaage’s sister-in-law, Hanne Bramness, wrote a poetry book called Vintersong. Based on these poems, Vaage composed the music, which became the first work in this seasonal series. It was recorded on CD and can be listened to on Spotify. "I had from the beginning a plan to create a piece for each of the seasons. As humans, we've always been fascinated by the cycles of nature. I think it's one of our strengths, that we Norwegians can draw inspiration and voice from nature," says Vaage. Spring, summer, and autumn are based on poems by Ruth Lillegraven (spring), Erlend O. Nødtvedt (summer), and Terje Tørrisplass (autumn). These three works were written for the countertenor Daniel Sæther, with a selection of musicians from Vintersong. Now, the next three seasons will be brought to life, and there’s a certain excitement in the composer’s voice. "It's always exciting to see how things are received, especially world premieres. There’s a nervousness beforehand that is somehow fascinating," he shares and adds, "I’m also curious about how Bumerang and Skråblikk på Haugtussa will be received. There’s a bit of a thrill mixed with fear, but the joy of communication is the strongest feeling." Bumerang is a string quartet that will be performed at the opening concert. Skråblikk på Haugtussa is created with a new perspective on Garborg’s poetic work, which also inspired Grieg’s song cycle Haugtussa. It will be performed by Ragnhild Gudbrandsen (voice), Hilde Haraldsen Sveen (soprano), and Knut Christian Jansson (piano).

Links to Spotify: 
Bumerang 
https://open.spotify.com/track/1iMOpfOlxnsEBFvLikGIrj?si=5ebf4c6cad2c4941

Skråblikk på Haugtussa
https://open.spotify.com/track/0kv7STpqCpCHGKNPMG7fVv?si=28273889c4d64301