The second concert day of the festival offered a program filled with everything from tango and music history to an art exhibition and a playful tribute to Charlie Chaplin.
A Musical Journey in 45 Minutes
The day began with Music History in 45 Minutes, a wild and educational performance where violinist Atle Sponberg and double bassist Knut Erik Sundquist took the audience on a journey through centuries of music. With infectious humor and impressive storytelling, historical eras and composers were brought to life — and made fun.
– This was a dream for every student – and teacher, said an enthusiastic audience member after the concert. The audience laughed, applauded, and listened – and wished for more as the final notes faded away.
Opened the Doors to the Inner Landscape
Midday, the Valdres Art Association opened its doors for a vernissage at Bergergården. Gunnvor Kjøs presented her new exhibition, where contrasts took center stage – transparent surfaces paired with dense textures, and strong colors adding deep resonance to the paintings.
– I paint because I am searching, Kjøs explained in conversation with the audience. When asked which painting she would keep if she had to give away the rest, she answered, – This one. It reflects myself.
The exhibition was opened with beautiful clarinet music by Felix Peikli and thoughtful words from Anne Revling of the art association. Strawberries, wine, soft drinks and flowers contributed to a day that felt almost like a South Norwegian summer in both temperature and atmosphere.
Tango That Touched the Heart
Later in the afternoon Tango 2+3 took the stage. Musicians Per Arne Glorvigen (bandoneon), Atle Sponberg and Bjarne Magnus Jensen (violins) and Steinar Haugerud (double bass) created a vibrant and passionate musical experience—closely accompanied by dancers Cyrena Drusine and Steinar Refsdal on the dance floor.
It was hard to sit still in the audience, and the atmosphere was so intense that it almost tempted people to dance out into the hallways. The tango touched both heart and soul—and made the audience feel the rhythm deep within their bodies.
Chaplin, Stravinsky and a Wet Highlight
The evening concluded with the performance Chaplin in the Rain—an imaginative and musical tribute to Charlie Chaplin and the composers who shaped his era. The audience was invited to imagine Chaplin stumbling upon Stravinsky, dancing with Brahms, and drifting away to Debussy’s melodies—all while the rain poured down.
Did you know that Chaplin actually met Stravinsky in Hollywood? According to sources, these two artists—who seemed very different on the surface—shared a mutual respect for each other’s sense of rhythm and artistic vision. Stravinsky even believed that Chaplin was a natural musical talent.
The performance combined film clips and live music—especially the highlight Caught in the Rain, which stood out as both moving and humorous in an improvised musical version that surprised everyone.
– What a journey! exclaimed one of the attendees as the applause settled.