By Lori Ann

In recent years, the Seattle-Bergen Sister City Association has built up a sterling reputation for its outstanding musical programs. This year’s annual Grieg Gala at Ballard First Lutheran Church on Sunday, June 18, at 3:00 pm will be no exception. To mark the group’s 50-year jubilee, concertgoers will be treated to nothing less than a full-blown Father’s Day extravaganza, featuring two of Bergen’s most highly acclaimed performers, soprano Reidun Horvei and pianist Inger-Kristine Riber.

Reidun Horvei, recipient of the prestigious Grieg Prize in Norway, is widely recognized for her versatility as performer. Horvei is an expert in both folk and classical Norwegian music, and this year’s Grieg concert will incorporate both genres. A native of Voss in the western region of Norway, she is a strong proponent of the New Norwegian “nynorsk” language, and the program will feature selections from the Haugtussa cycle, with its lyrics by poet Arne Garborg. Inger-Kristine Riber will accompany her on the piano and then perform solo pieces, including the popular Wedding Day at Troldhaugen. Internationally acclaimed artists, both Horvei and Riber are well known on the Seattle music scene, and they look forward to seeing fans and old friends in Ballard. For the special jubilee gala concert, they are working together with local artists Rachel Nesvig on the Hardanger fiddle and Allion Salvador on the violin.

Young and exuberant violinist Salvador’s return to the gala is highly anticipated after last year’s triumphant appearance as both featured soloist and conductor of the Seattle Philharmonic Strings. This year he leads a festival string quartet with Nesvig on second violin, Aleida Gehrels on viola, and Zoë Kohen-Ley on cello. In the second half of the performance, they will perform Grieg’s passionate String Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 27, regarded by many as the apex of the composer’s high classical repertoire.

According to tradition, a lavish reception follows the concert, offering Norwegian specialties and the opportunity to meet with friend and mingle with the artists. In honor of Father’s Day and the composer’s 143rd birthday on June 15, plenty of cake will be on hand to complete the celebration. Best of all, with the generous support from the City of Seattle and of a host of volunteers, the event is free and open to the public. With cultural exchange and enrichments at the core of the Seattle-Bergen Sister City Association’s mission, the group welcomes everyone to experience the musical treasures of a strong Norwegian heritage in the Ballard community.

The performance begins at 3:00 PM at Ballard First Lutheran Church, 2006 NW 65th Street. For more information, please email seattlebergensistercities@gmail.com. While reservations are not required, you may RSVP at www.eventbrite.com. For concert updates, you may also join the Seattle-Bergen Sister City Association’s 700+ followers on Facebook at www.facebook.com/seattlebergensistercities.