Lys i mørketid - Ensemble Allegria and Ditte Marie Bræin

During the darkest time of the year, finding moments of light becomes all the more important. On St. Lucia’s Day, 13 December, we fill Marmorsalen at Sentralen with music exploring the powerful contrasts between darkness and light. Together with soprano soloist Ditte Marie Bræin, we invite you to an atmospheric and magnificent musical experience. The evening’s programme is inspired both by the story of Saint Lucia, the martyr who became a saint and whose name means “light”, and by 13 December itself, which in the Julian calendar marked the longest night of the year. In old Nordic tradition, the date was associated with the Norse spirit Lussi, and according to folklore, evil forces were believed to roam freely on this particular night. At the same time, we are approaching Christmas – a season that celebrates light, togetherness and goodness – and we want the evening’s programme to embrace all of these elements. The centrepiece of the evening is one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of music: Schubert’s String Quartet No. 14, known as “Death and the Maiden”. As the title suggests, the work is filled with drama. The music can evoke associations with the young Lucia’s struggle for life, as well as with Lussi and her procession of supernatural creatures riding through the night. At the same time, we hear Schubert’s distinctive ability to let light shine through, transforming even the darkest tones into the most beautiful melodies. In today’s world, we continue to encounter these contrasts. And during the darkest time of the year, it feels especially important to come together and remind one another that the light is still there. Soprano Ditte Marie Bræin is one of Norway’s most sought-after soloists, and as a long-standing member of the Norwegian Soloists’ Choir, she is also a dear friend of Ensemble Allegria. At the concert, we will hear her perform music by Schubert and Hildegard von Bingen, as well as traditional folk melodies that bring light into the darkness and remind us that Christmas is just around the corner. The string orchestra Ensemble Allegria is regarded as one of Norway’s leading classical ensembles. Since 2008, the ensemble has delighted critics and audiences alike with its energetic virtuosity and infectious joy of playing together. Its artistic director is Maria Angelika Carlsen. Soprano Ditte Marie Bræin is one of Norway’s most active emerging concert singers and is also highly sought after as an ensemble singer. She regularly appears as a soloist with ensembles including Barokkanerne and the Norwegian Soloists’ Choir, and is the newest member of Trio Mediæval.