NORWEGIAN TRADITION REIMAGINED is the final 2025 performance of the Sydney Opera House’s curated program of international music. These wonderful once-only afternoon performances were selected by global thinker and renowned recorder player Genevieve Lacey. The 2025 program was a stunning addition to the Opera House’s reputation as a world leader in diversifying the offerings to Sydneysiders and visitors.
This event was billed as featuring the traditional Norwegian hardanger fiddle played by Benedicte Maurseth. This small violin has eight strings and thinner wood. It was first known to be played around 1600. Benedicte introduced the program with a beautiful solo piece by Eirik Medas. This was the standout of the event as Benedicte masterfully played this 19th century composition.
The event was also billed as ‘Tradition Reimagined’, and it was indeed reimagined!
We moved into the here-and-now with eight contemporary pieces composed by Benedicte and her ensemble of Morten Gvenild (piano and electronics), Mats Eilersten (bass) and Håkon Stene (percussion). All these works presented the beauty and boldness of the Nordic mood as the electronics melded with the instruments to present aspects of the terrain.
Benedicte grew up and now lives near the Hardangervidda mountain. Hence the name of the fiddle, the Hardanger. The compositions were written specifically to transport the audience into that landscape. The titles were Day of the Wind,The Golden Plover, The Calf Rises, Summer Pasture, March, Fresh Snow over Reindeer Lichen, Bells and Female Reindeer Under the Moon.
Was it music? Was it a soundscape?! Or acoustic ecology?! Perhaps meditations?! Who cares what it’s called?! It was wonderful. The compositions evoked natural sounds of the Nordic wind, the animals and the growing grass. Benedicte spoke of the animals now endangered by climate change and her fear of losing the natural wonders of the Hardangervidda.
These Utzon Room afternoon performances are absolutely delightful. The magnificent Olson tapestry on the back wall and the clear view of the eastern harbour through a wall of windows greets the audience. At this performance we watched the tall ships glide by on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Totally different from the cold, snowy landscape of the Hardangervidda!
NORWEGIAN TRADITION REIMAGINED was made possible with the support of Music Norway, Arts Council Norway and the Audio and Visual Fund.The date of the concert, November 23, was also the launch of the Utzon Room 2026 afternoon concerts. We look forward to this diverse set of international performers. Details are here:
https://limelight-arts.com.au/news/utzon-music-launches-2026-program/
