World Premiere: "The Temptations of Velsemøy" by Kjell Habbestad

"The Temptations of Veslemøy" is the fruit of compositional efforts of Norwegian composer Kjell Habbestad, the "gjendiktning" translation work of William Halverson, and a long-standing friendship between the two men .

Veslemøy is the heroine of Arne Garborg's Nynorsk verse novel, "Haugtussa" She was made famous by Edvard Grieg's setting of 8 of the 70 poems from the novel, focusing on her misfortunes in love. There is a lot more to the story, and Habbestad and Halverson delve deeply into the rich folklore and mysticism that make up "the rest of the story."

The piece is composed for three singers, piano, oboe, and bass. Performers are soprano Melissa Holm-Johanssen, alto Judith Melander, baritone Justin Spenner, oboist Carrie Vecchione, bassist Rolf Erdahl, and pianist Bryon Wilson. Composer Habbestad and translator Halverson will also be on hand for the premiere.

This concert is free and open to the public. Free-will donations will be accepted at the door.

A 2:00 lunch precedes the concert at Norway House.

Kjell Habbestad (b. 1955, Bremnes in Bømlo, Norway) is Professor Emeritus of Theory and Composition at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, Norway. He received his professional training at the same institution, after which he taught music theory at the Bergen Music Conservatory (1981–86), the Music Conservatory of Eastern Norway (1986–96), and at the Norwegian Academy of Music 1996-2022.

Habbestad has been a prolific composer throughout his career. His catalog of works (115 opuses) includes four operas, orchestral works, chamber works for various combinations of instruments and choral works. He also has a number of recordings.

William H. Halverson (b. 1930) is best known internationally as the translator of books and other materials dealing with Norwegian music. His book translations include a comprehensive history of Norwegian music as well as biographies of Norwegian composers Edvard Grieg and Johan Svendsen. His books "Edvard Grieg: Letters to Colleagues and Friends" (2000) and "Edvard Grieg: Diaries, Articles, Speeches" (2001) enable English-speaking readers to learn intimate details about Grieg's life and work in the composer's own words. A specialist in the translation of poetry, Dr. Halverson has translated all the song texts of Grieg.

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