Kai Robert tours the Midwest
The Upper Midwest’s favorite Norwegian trumpeter, Kai Robert, presents another musical extravaganza from Østfold
Photo courtesy of Leslee Lane Hoyum
Norwegian trumpeter Kai Robert Johansen is making his 15th tour of the Midwest, bringing artistry from his home area of Østfold County in southeastern Norway.
Leslee Lane Hoyum
Rockford, Minn.
Trumpeter Kai Robert Johansen, making his 14th tour of the Midwest, is bringing musical artistry from his home area of Østfold County in southeastern Norway to the Upper Midwest. Østfold County includes the picturesque cities of Moss, Fredrikstad, Halden, and Sarpsborg, and the music he brings reflects their charm. Joining him and making their American debuts are vocalist Jannicke Heian Frølandshagen from Råde and Islandsmoen’s Men’s Choir from Moss under the direction of Hilde Everløff Andersen.
Kai Robert, of Sarpsborg, has been performing for more than 45 years and is the Midwest’s most beloved Norwegian trumpeter. He has performed on radio and TV not only in Norway but throughout Europe and the United States. He has released more than 60 CDs, several of which have reached gold and platinum status. He has also received several Norwegian cultural awards for his work as a musician and composer. This year he adds to his accomplishments a performance for the mayor of London, England, on Norwegian Constitution Day and a new song he composed celebrating Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja’s 80th birthdays.
Vocalist Jannicke Heian Frølandshagen, Råde, is an actress, singer, composer, and lyricist. Born in northern Norway, she also lived in Biloxi, Mississippi, and Germany as a child. She performs in a variety of theater and musical performances that include cabaret-style revues, humorous vignettes based on real life, and theater productions depicting historical events.
Founded by Sigurd Islandsmoen, a renowned organist and teacher, Islandsmoen’s Men’s Choir of Moss is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Its conductor, Hilde Everløff Andersen, describes the members as “a great bunch of silly, happy, good men.” Conductor Andersen is not only a masterful conductor but an exquisite entertainer and pianist in her own right. With a broad repertoire of traditional and modern music, the troupe performs at a variety of local venues and with other choirs throughout Norway. It has also performed in Wales and Ireland.
Tour dates:
All performances are free and open to the public.
Leiv Eriksson International Festival
Mindekirken
924 E 21st St., Minneapolis, Minn.
Oct. 8, 11:00 a.m.
(612) 874-0716
Dalton Opera House
109 Summit St., Dalton, Minn.
Oct. 8, 4:30 p.m.
(218) 770-0095
Sons of Norway Kringen Club
722 2 Ave N, Fargo, N.D.
Oct. 10, 6:45 p.m.
Dinner at 5:00 p.m. is $12 per person
(701) 232-9222
Northland Community & Technical College Auditorium
1101 Hwy. #1 East Thief River Falls, Minn.
Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m.
(218) 681-2116
Ascension Lutheran Church
2030 3rd Street., Brookings, S.D.
Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m.
(605) 693-3763
General information: (612) 239-0447
This article originally appeared in the Sept. 22, 2017, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.
