LJODAHÅTT

Seven musicians, actors, and composers from across Europe take the stage like characters from enchanted Scandinavian forests. Ljodahått is a collective led by Norwegian Magne Håvard Brekke, bringing Norwegian poetry to life through music - from the Eddas and Henrik Ibsen to Tarjei Vesaas and Olav H. Hauge.

The ensemble creates an original blend of styles: Nordic song forms meet folk, jazz, and rock. The name is well chosen - the Norwegian word "Ljodahått" refers both to ancient Nordic verse forms and "the song of trolls". Ljodahått's music has a lyrical, almost fairy-tale quality, only to shift suddenly into something raw and untamed.

All songs are performed in Norwegian, yet after just a few pieces, this matters little to international audiences. Brief introductions and projections in the local language help convey the meaning of the texts. Above all, it is the music itself that immerses listeners in Norwegian stories and poetry.