Norwegian Days in Murmansk 2009

The little Barents-guy has moved from one spot on the map to another: Kirkenes where the Barents Spektakel took place is now being replaced by Murmansk city what marks the beginning of Norwegian Days in Murmansk 2009.

4-16 May 2009 brings to Murmansk citizens and its guests premieres, musical concerts, exhibitions, literature evenings, dramas, films and much more.

The official opening of Norwegian Days took place in Murmansk this Monday (4 May). One of the most prominent writers of Russia and Norway: Kjartan Fløgstad (Oslo) and Viktor Erofeev (Moscow) had a mutual discussion in a Transborder Café talking about literature, borders and travelling within the Barents Region.

The evening was rounded off with a jazz-project MARYLAND (Oslo). Four talented jazz players from Norway performed absolutely fantastic and dazzling tunes. Their style of playing is a special manner opposed to the traditional “Nordic Cool”. Wonderful improvisation!

5 May Murmansk Philharmonic Hall became the venue for the Classical Music Concert performed by consummate duet – Annar Follesø (violin) and Wolfgang Plagge (piano). Musicians played pieces by two European classics and two prominent Russian composers of the XX century.

6 May (Murmansk Craft Centre, 16:00) – tapestry exhibition by Brit Fuglevaag (Oslo-Vadsø-Paris) The textile artist uses a three-dimensional textile weaving manner. It is a fusion of international tendencies together with individual color and texture choice. It should be noted that many of the exhibited articles, says Brit, were inspired by her trips to Murmansk. The exhibition is open till 31 May.

7 May – Literature evening dedicated to 150 year anniversary from the birthdate of Knut Hamsun. The personality of Knut Hamsun, a Nobel Prize winner, has always been the subject of much controversy. At the meeting one can learn more about his biography and his novels. (Murmansk Regional Scientific Library, 16:00)

8 May – unforgettable show from Norwegian musical band KATZENJAMMER (Night club Magnit, Kola town, 23:00). This comparatively new band consisting of 4 talented girls has gained much popularity and now tops music charts in Norway. It will be their first stage performance in Russia.

A great variety of musical instruments: accordion, mandolin, guitar, piano, bass-balalaika, bells, pipe and banjo. Welcome to the world of Balkan-pop, polka-rock, circus music and Wild West melodies! 

12 May (16:00, Kola town) Presentation: Stavanger – the oil capital of Norway. 
 

13-16 May: Opening of the Norwegian Film Week. Murmansk cinema RODINA flings its doors open to anyone who wants to enjoy masterpieces made by Norwegian film directors. Admission free. (www.kino.murman.ru)

14 May Murmansk Regional Youth Library will host a literature evening for children.(12:00) One can take a fascinating trip to the country of fjords, learn more about the Kingdom of Norway and discover where the trolls from fairy tales live. 

15 May An exhibition: Liv Ullmann – a Norwegian world-famous film star. The exhibition is dedicated to 70 year anniversary of Liv Ullmann – the most prominent film and theatre actress from Norway, the brightest representative of Ingmar Bergman Movies. The photos, texts and film posters depict the life and career of this wonderful woman and help know her better. (Murmansk Fine Arts Museum, 17:00) The exhibition is open till 31 May.

Barents Fashion Party. Barents Fashion back in Murmansk! Russian premiere screening of documentary about Barents Fashion Week (directed by Nils Gaup, 2008). The film tells about the history of Barents couture – fashion collections from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia inspired by local climate, politics, history and culture of Barents Region. (Meridian Hotel, M-Club, 22:00)

16 May: Kristin Lavransdatter (1st vol.) on stage performed by Students Theatre NORDIKA from Murmansk Pedagogical University. Kristin Lavransdatter is a famous novel by Sigrid Unset, Nobel prize winner in literature. (Murmansk Pedagogical University, ul. Egorova 15, 18:00)
 

The students have been working on the drama for more than two years. Settings as well the costumes were made by students themselves. 
 

Norwegian Days in Murmansk 2009 are funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Norwegian Barents Secretariat and Finnmark fylke.