Norwegian tour in the Lofotens – April 2015
Next month I’ll be heading off for a two week tour in the beautiful Lofoten Islands, Norway with the folk-roots collective Nish As Rish. Our tour is part of DKS (‘Den kulturelle skolesekken) – a national initiative that brings professional musicians and visual artists into schools. It’s fantastic that Norway really recognises the intrinsic value of arts and culture, as children benefit by receiving a number of professional performances per year. If anyone knows what this exact number is, do let me know in the comments below! There is currently a similar national scheme for elderly people too. Full marks to you, Norway, full marks!
Myself and the other two lasses in the group have got a stash of yarn and knitting/crotchet needles at the ready for our journeys around the archipelago and our warmest woollens to wear because even in April, it can be very chilly up in the arctic circle. I should think by the end of the two weeks, we will have taught the lads our skills too!
I will post photos on here and on social media as we go along, so do keep an eye out. We’re hoping the weather will be clear as the scenery is stunning. Alongside our DKS engagements, we shall also be giving two public concerts – one at the Figurteateret i Nordland, Stamsund on the evening of Sunday 12 April, and the other in Bødo on Thursday 23 April (venue/time TBA). If you know anyone living in the Lofotens, or if you’ll happen to be there yourself, please do come and say hello! Similarly, if anyone has any useful/nice Norwegian phrases for us to learn – do leave me a comment. I’ve got one so far: det er veldig hyggelig å være her – it is very nice to be here!