And we could easily have continued – from concert to concert, from encounter to encounter, through the music and the beautiful landscape of Valdres. But all things have their time, and we too, had to bring this year’s Valdres Summer Symphony to a close.
The day began with an open masterclass led by Henning Kraggerud – a rare opportunity for the audience to glimpse into the artistic workshop. What was presented was not a polished performance, but rather a vivid and open exploration of music in the making. The process was made visible, and what usually takes place behind closed doors was shared with the audience in all its honesty.
At Piltingsrud Gard afternoon tea awaited – along with an atmosphere not easily forgotten: conversations, warm smiles, and the calm before the next musical journey – the closing concert.
It was, in fact, Die schöne Müllerin – Schubert’s 20 songs woven into one continuous narrative – that brought the festival to a close. Eirik Grøtvedt’s tenor voice carried the young miller’s longing, hope, and downfall, while Marianna Shirinyan’s piano became the brook itself – trickling, rushing, falling silent. The audience sat close, some with eyes closed, others with warm or intent expressions.
We almost lost Night at the Castle – 3 to the wind. Quite literally. But the weather turned – and music prevailed. String players from OPUS13, hornist Sytske Pas, pianist David Meier, and Nora Taksdal – both violist and host – held the audience in rapt attention with works including Schubert’s Death and the Maiden and Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.
It felt like a final gift to the festival – and to all of us.
We simply must mention our Etterspill concerts, where both participants and teachers took to the stage one final time. Here, perfection was not the goal – instead, the focus was on togetherness, playfulness, and a shared love of music. Among those who performed were Alexander Rybak, Sigyn Fossnes, Henning Kraggerud, David Meier, Natalia Papova, Atle Sponberg, and Knut Erik Sundquist – playing side by side with young talents who had grown day by day.
Behind this rich concert program stands the Valdres Summer Symphony courses – an extensive training program that this year gathered 230 participants and 48 dedicated teachers from both home and abroad. Over the course of ten days, 34 course concerts were held, accompanied by three tireless pianists who alone performed over 160 solo works. With chamber music, solo performances, and orchestral work, the courses have been the very heart of the festival’s educational component.