There are days that leave a mark – not because of a single event that moves us, but because the whole becomes like a symphonic work in itself. This day at the Valdres Summer Symphony was just like that – a cultural journey through education, history, dance, nature, and music, delivered by both young talents and established stars.
We began the day with behind-the-scenes insight during the Open Masterclass with Eileen Siegel. Here, the audience was given a unique glimpse into what happens before the curtain rises. How is a musical expression truly shaped? How does a professional musician work with the stars of tomorrow? This open teaching session revealed the art in progress and allowed us to hear the development – not just the final result.
The journey continued into the vibrant public spaces of Fagernes with a city walk led by Audun Myrvold, who guided us on a historical and artistic tour through the town. We learned about Fagernes’ role during the war, how a sword was hidden from the Nazis – and how the road to Bergen forever connected Valdres to the rest of the country. The artworks we encountered along the way, from renowned names like Torunn Skjelland to anonymous creations featuring bananas and violins, gave the urban landscape a whole new dimension.
At midday, we gathered around the music with Elementene – an open-air concert where sun and summer vibes framed works by Schubert, Fauré, Dvořák, and Gershwin. Yngve Søberg and Eirik Grøtvedt stood side by side with young Papillon musicians like Sytske Pas and Andreas Martinsen, in a concert where inspiration flowed freely between generations – shared with a large and enthusiastic audience that truly showed up to listen.
Later, we took Grieg to the mountains, as OPUS13, Ebba Lejonclou, Marianna Shirinyan, and the talented Ukrainian violinist Mariia Kostogryz – with her mother and sister present – performed his music in a barn, surrounded by mountains, wind, and grazing animals. Here, the music became one with nature. Grieg’s String Quartet No. 1 in G minor, interpreted with intensity and sensitivity by OPUS13, brought the concert to a close – before the audience rose to their feet and called out “Bravo!” to both the quartet and Marianna Shirinyan, who once again moved us with her piano playing.
The afternoon was dedicated to the Summer Ballet in Valdres. The stage in Valdreshallen came alive with 19 unique dance performances – each with its own expression, strength, and beauty. From classical ballet to modern forms – featuring appearances by breakdancer Navid Rezvani and Oleksii Potomkin – and accompanied by music from Papillon musicians Owen Sørbye Davis and Nikita Khnykin. A powerful testament to how music and dance enrich one another – and a true highlight for both performers and audience alike.
As evening fell, the grand finale arrived: the Gala Concert at Nythun. Led by Alexander Rybak, Ebba Lejonclou and Stefan Ibsen Zlatanos, it was a celebration in every sense of the word. "I'm in Love with a Fairytale" had the audience singing along and hearts beating a little faster. Young stars like Melissa Rodriguez Levang and Frida Rogn held their own among the star-studded lineup, and the festive meal that followed lifted the mood even higher. A fitting and beautiful conclusion to an unforgettable day.
While the audience enjoyed the gala concert, others gathered at the Slottet in Lo to hear the music of the Valdres Summer Symphony during the concert Night at the Castle – 2. This concert became one of the festival’s highlights, offering the audience another chance to experience fine music in the unique and atmospheric surroundings that only Valdres can offer.
