2008 marks the 100 year anniversary for the birth of poet Olav H. Hauge and pianist and composer Geirr Tveitt. Get to know their works and beautiful homeplace Hardanger, as the two artists are honored in New York with a special exhibition and concert.
Both the internationally renown poet Olav H. Hauge and the pianist and composer Geirr Tveitt came from Hardanger – a place west in Norway – known for its beautiful nature landscape with fjords and mountains. With 2008 marking the 100 year anniversary for their births, the Norwegian Church in New York has invited Harding Puls - a network of artists with affiliation to Hardanger - to be their main exhibitor in 2008.
The art exhibition will consist of works by visual artists and artisans inspired by Hauge’s and Tveitt’s lives and artworks. Inevitably, they are also influenced by the majestic Hardanger landscape that has inspired artists and writers – among them Hauge and Tveitt – for centuries. The exhibition opens on May 15 in Trygve Lie Gallery, and lasts until September 7.
At the opening reception of the exhibition there will also be a concert. The event starts off with the young Norwegian mezzosoprano Kristin Mulders. She has worked together with the Finnish-American, New York-based composer Mika Pohjola who has made music to Hauge’s poems especially for Mulders. The second part of the concert is dedicated to Geirr Tveitt’s music, performed by Mulders and pianist Torgeir Kinne Solsvik.
About the artists
Olav H. Hauge (1908-1994)
Hauge is considered one of the most important Norwegian poets in the post-war era. He lived his whole life on a farm in Hardanger, and also worked as a gardener, apple farmer and translator. He was inspired by international literature (American books were sent to him by his uncle in the U.S.), and the combination of a local foundation and an international vision can be seen in his works.
Geirr Tveitt (1908-1981)
Colorful and productive, Tveitt is described as. He got his education at the prestigeous conservatory in Leipzig, where Edvard Grieg also was educated. Tveitt’s music is positioned between Norwegian folk music and a sophisticated post-impressionistic style. He made both oprahs and symphonies, but is also known for his traditional folk songs.
Where: Trygve Lie Gallery, The Norwegian Church at 317 East 52nd Street, New York,
When: May 15 throughout September 7. Opening reception and concert May 15, 6-8pm.
Info: Call (212) 319-0370