The Goddess Aurora meets us when we enter the Midtåsen Sculpture Pavilion. There’s a mild northerly wind – Tramontana – and Tre Grazie greet us heartedly. We can feel the artistic soul of Knut Steen that marks the entire room…..

Knut Steen is one of the most important Norwegian artists and has always been linked to Sandefjord as a city of culture. The Whale Hunting Monument is probably the greatest work of his – and the landmark of the city. Midtåsen Sculpture Pavilion – that houses his marble sculptures – is just a unique place! We have also called it: One of the most spectacular concert halls in the world – due to the atmosphere created by the marble sculptures, the cathedral like acoustics and the nearness to nature and the universe.

Our wish was to celebrate Knut Steen’s 100 years anniversary by commissioning a composition inspired by his marble sculptures. Gisle Kverndokk was inspired by the idea and the sculptures, and have composed Toner i Steen! (Sounds of stone!) in 8 movements for five string players. Elise Båtnes, Maria A. Carlsen, Henninge Landaas, Louisa Tuck and Kenneth Ryland – all from the Oslo Phil and Dextra musicians – are thrilled to do the world premiere.

We are very pleased that the Engegårdkvartetten visit us quiet regularly. They are one of our foremost international ensembles and always present some excited programmes. Everyone know the music of Felix Mendelssohn – but what about the music of his sister, Fanny? Or Bela Bartok? He visited Norway in 1912 and was inspired by Grieg’s Slåtter opus 72. We are looking forward to experiencing their music – and the “Ice Quartet” by julian Anderson that the quartet recently premiered in Brucknerhaus in Linz. The Green Hall at Park Hotel is the venue October 11 and 12. AND – they will, of course, also play some Mozart and Beethoven.

If you get in the right mood by listening to Karlheinz Stockhausen’s Stimmung? Give it a try – and join us for the concert by Nordic Voices in Harmonie arena October 12 at 16.00.

In a dark hall – with just one source of light – with the singers sitting in a circle around it, and the audience in an even bigger circle outside them again…..

Nordic Voices is a fantastic vocal ensemble who have given us a lot of great concerts over the years. They are touring Norway, Europe, Canada and the US – and always treat us with the most exhilarating music!