Two Norwegian Choirs to Perform Free Concert at North Dakota Heritage Center & S

BISMARCK, N.D. - Members of two Norwegian choirs, the Kaafjord Choir and Nordaforr Choir, will perform a free public concert on Monday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck. The choirs, from northern Norway, will perform Arctic folk songs and traditional songs from peoples in the Arctic region, in Sami and Kven languages, as well as traditional religious songs/psalms. Both choirs have been part of the revival of the Sami culture by performing music in the Sami language. Because of the unique Sami repertoire, they have been featured on both Icelandic and international television. Kaafjord Choir conductor Silje Hjellemarken Helland and choir members are intent on bringing their songs and joiks (Sami and Kven songs) from the north of Norway to an American audience with the hope they will bring a new perspective on Norwegian culture and diversity, especially to the American-Norwegian descendants. Nordaforr choir conductor Anita Barth-Jørgensen and her choir want "to open people’s eyes and heart for culture and issues around the world, and work for solidarity." For more information about this performance contact State Historical Society Curator of Education Erik Holland at eholland@nd.gov or call 701.328.2792. For more information on upcoming State Historical Society events, visit history.nd.gov/events.