Colours of the North | Stein Skjervold and Giedrė Muralytė

Scandinavian classical vocal music is exceptionally rich and reflects the region’s unique culture and history. It is characterised by lyrical melodies, expressive harmonies and a deep connection with nature and folklore. Edvard Grieg, Ture Rangström, Wilhelm Stenhammar, Christian Sinding and Jean Sibelius each contributed significantly, bringing an individual voice and style. Baritone Stein Skjervold (Norway) and pianist Giedrė Muralytė present their music in ‘Colours of the North’. Grieg captured the essence of Norwegian folk music in simple yet beautiful vocal melodies evoking the country’s landscapes. Rangström explored love, nature and existential reflection. Stenhammar contributed to vocal and instrumental music, often drawing on Swedish poetry and literature. Sinding is known for song cycles and individual songs in the Romantic tradition, with rich harmonies and expressive melodies inspired by Norway’s natural beauty. Sibelius conveyed Finland’s spirit through music, often incorporating Finnish folk music and mythology. Projections of paintings by Scandinavian artists of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries are planned to accompany the concert. Song lyrics will be translated into Lithuanian.***Concert programme:Ture Rangström (Sweden, 1884–1947)From 5 poems by Bo Bergman:Vingar i natten (Wings in the Night)Du och jag (You and I)Melodi (Melody)Edvard Grieg (Norway, 1843–1907)Piano:Melodi (Melody), from Lyric Pieces II, op. 38Vals (Waltz), from Lyric Pieces I, op. 12Christian Sinding (Norway, 1856–1941)From Songs of the Madman:Jeg går og leder (I Go and Search)Høst på Heien (Autumn on the Heath)Majnat (May Night)Edvard Grieg (Norway, 1843–1907)Piano:Sommerfugl (Butterfly), from Lyric Pieces III, op. 43Melodi (Melody), from Lyric Pieces IV, op. 47Wilhelm Stenhammar (Sweden, 1871–1927)5 poems by Bo Bergman:Stjärnöga (Starry Eye)Vid fönstret (By the Window)Gammel Nederländare (The Old Dutchman)Månsken (Moonlight)AdagioEdvard Grieg (Norway, 1843–1907)6 poems, op. 25:Spillemaend (Fiddlers)En Svane (A Swan)Stambogsrim (Album Verses)Med en Vandlilje (With a Water Lily)En Fuglevise (A Bird Song)Edvard Grieg (Norway, 1843–1907)Piano:Berceuse, from Lyric Pieces II, op. 38Jean Sibelius (Finland, 1865–1957)Flickan kom ifrån sin älsklings möte (The Girl Returned from Meeting Her Beloved)Säv, säv, susa (Reeds, Reeds, Rustle)Spånet på vattnet (The Chip on the Water)Wilhelm Stenhammar (Sweden, 1871–1927)Florez och Blanzeflor (Florez and Blanzeflor) About the performers: About the performers: Stein Skjervold is a Norwegian baritone who has lived in Lithuania for 15 years and is active in its musical life. As a soloist he performs with ensembles including the Lithuanian National and State Symphony Orchestras, the Lithuanian and Klaipėda Chamber Orchestras, the State Vilnius Quartet and the State Choir Vilnius. Lied is central to his repertoire; he has performed nearly all German Lied song cycles, especially works by Hugo Wolf, Johannes Brahms and Franz Schubert. The cultural weekly 7 meno dienos called him ‘a magician of miniatures’ after a recital. He teaches chamber music and solo singing at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre (LMTA). Pianist Giedrė Muralytė performs as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician in Lithuania, France, Italy, Greece, Georgia, Germany and Finland. She began collaborating with Lithuanian and international singers during her studies. Her wide accompanist repertoire focuses on Benjamin Britten, German Romantics and contemporary Scandinavian music. She has given recitals at Vilnius Town Hall, Kaunas State Philharmonic, the Lithuanian National Philharmonic, the Royal Opera House of Oman and other venues. She performs at festivals including Druskininkai Summer with M. K. Čiurlionis (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2016), Sugrįžimai (2011, 2014, 2017) and Užutrakio Vakarai, and has received favourable reviews. In 2021 she released the album Bangos (Waves).