Virtual Midwinter Folk Festival

Going beyond learning melodies, we will discover how we can sound Swedish by approaching correct "pronunciation" in the various types of Swedish folk tunes: Vals, Polska, Schottis, and Gånglåt.

Instructor: Paul Dahlin, Two Harbors, MN

Paul Dahlin is the founder of the American Swedish Institute Spelmanslag and a NEA National Heritage Fellow. He learned to play Swedish fiddle tunes from his grandfather, Ivares Edvin Johnsson, who emigrated from Dalarna, Sweden. When the Spelmanslag performed at Sweden's largest folk music festival, Musik vid Siljan in 1989, Dahlin was hailed by his Swedish colleagues as an important keeper of a deep musical tradition. in honor of his efforts to preserve Swedish folk music, Paul was presented with the designation of the Royal Order of the Polar Star by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in 2010.

https://www.tpt.org/mn-original/profile/asi-spelmanslag/

Youth ages 7-18 are invited to learn Swedish folk music tunes with techniques that make them sound authentically Swedish. Instructors will be Swedish musicians Maria and Anders Larsson. Instruction will be "by ear" but sheet music and recordings of the tunes will be made available after the workshop.

Instructors: Maria & Anders Larsson, Malmö, Sweden

Maria and Anders Larsson are both graduates of the Malmö Academy of Music. They have taught and performed in over twenty-five countries and have toured throughout the Midwest several times over the past twenty years. Maria has been awarded the distinguished title of Riksspelman (Swedish Master Musician) and has appeared on nine CDs with different ensembles. She plays fiddle, nyckelharpa and a variety of Swedish folk flutes. Anders specializes in guitar and vocal arts.

https://youtu.be/WuoLFxQWJyE

Some find Scandinavian music and dance to be lyrical and flowing. Others find it to have drive and passion. Come and decide for yourself. Join us for some non-partner, Covid-friendly dances to lovely and fun Norwegian and Swedish music. All of the dances can be done in small or large, carpeted or not, dance spaces with limited turning.

Instructor: Roo Lester

Roo Lester began learning international folk dance while in college. Later she received an MA in Dance Ethnology from UCLA. Roo has travelled extensively in Norway and Sweden studying dance and participating in dance and music events. She is known for her clear presentations that embody care and respect for the dance traditions. This Covid time has offered opportunities to both learn new dances as well as make adaptations for known dances.

https://youtu.be/eU7ZwOI9rj0

Working with traditional tunes that are standard in the nyckelharpa repertoire, Kirsty will explore variations and enhancements that will enliven group playing.

Instructor: Kirsty Money, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Kirsty Money has been a first violinist with Symphony Nova Scotia since 2000. For the past several years she has been concentrating on the nyckelharpa, attending a summer session at the Sahlström Institute in Uppland, Sweden and working with a number of Swedish nyckelharpa players. She has since appeared at several music festivals throughout eastern Canada. With guitarist Jude Pelley, she is working on her debut solo album, showcasing the nyckelharpa as a Folk and Early Music instrument. Earlier she completed a Bachelor of Music Degree from McGill University in Montreal.

https://youtu.be/MVTzMPod3kc

Come visit the vibrant Scandinavian immigrant music scene in the upper Midwest in the 1970s, epitomized in Minneapolis’ Snoose Boulevard Festival 1972-76! Your guide is Anne-Charlotte Harvey, the festival’s headline singer. She will touch on the immigrant heritage, the festival, and its music—you will hear and learn material from the festival concerts. You may also enjoy a surprise visit by one of the original festival performers!

Instructor: Anne-Charlotte Harvey, San Diego, CA

As a Swedish immigrant living in Minneapolis in the ‘70s, Anne-Charlotte had a weekly Scandinavian radio show on WAYL-FM. She has researched, performed and documented Scandinavian immigrant music and theatre in America. She received both an MA and PhD from the University of Minnesota, and she is now Professor Emerita of Theatre at San Diego State University. Her contributions to Swedish-American culture in the U.S. have been honored by awards such as Swedish American of the Year by the Vasa Order of America, the Carl Sandburg medal by the Swedish-American Historical Society and the King’s Medal awarded by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg-8lNx1GRo; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvQt-gB7OnM