Music connects cultures, sets the tone for Crossings and One Ocean Week Seattle

Music was an important part of the Crossings Commemoration & Dinner at Leif Erikson Lodge on Oct. 9, with a performance by Elise Snoey (left), Rachel Nesvig (center), and Patrick Gunning (right). / Photo: Tina Aure

The Seattle-Bergen Sister City Association (SBSCA) is known for its musical productions and even professes to be "the most musical sister city association in the world," a reputation that it was proud to uphold during its many events in the month of October.

It was a month perhaps like no other, beginning with the its commemoration of Crossings, 200 years of organized Norwegian immigration on Leif Erikson Day, Oct. 9. For this monumental event, it was clear from the beginning that music would be a big part of the celebration in a community filled with musical talent.

Playing on her Hardanger fiddle, Rachel Nesvig greeted guests as they arrived for the Crossings Commemoration & Dinner. / Photo: Inger-Kristine Riber

Performing that evening was Rachel Nesvig, an accomplished professional musician who performs on both classical violin and Hardanger fiddle.

Wearing her traditional Norwegian bunad, she greeted guests as they arrived for the cocktail hour, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Later on during the program, she was joined by fellow fiddler Elise Snoey and Patrick Gunning on the guitar. Their performance "Crossings Cultures" spanned musical genres across national boundaries through time, creatively combing old and new, appropriate for an event that looked both back and forward.

Reidun Horvei, who had just arrived from Norway, added a magical moment to the evening. / Photo: Inger-Kristine Riber

Getting the attention of 200-some guests having a good time can be a daunting task, but if anyone could do it, Reidun Horvei was the one. As she entered from the back of the hall, she belted out a Norwegian cow call, and the room went silent.

Her appearance was a special moment for the SBSCA, which has had such a close working relationship with Horvei, county singer for Hordaland, where Bergen is located, and Inger-Kristine Riber, pianist and composer. Both had just arrived from Norway the day before.

Horvei took command of the stage as she sang a traditional song in the nynorsk language, adding an authentic and enchanting touch to the evening.

Celebrating a birthday with song

The combined Norwegian Ladies Chorus and the Seattle Mannskor performed the U.S. and Norwegian national anthems during their program for the 50th birthday bash for Bergen Place park. / Photo: Isabel Bartholomew

Just 10 days later, SBSCA members and friends were back in Leif Erikson Hall with the Friends of Bergen Place to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of Bergen Place park in Ballard — and, of course, there was more music!

This time, the Norwegian Ladies Chorus and the Seattle Mannskor were brought in to perform. The two groups that have a strong association with Bergen Place, where they perform each year for Norwegian Constitution Day on May 17. Each offered traditional songs in Norwegian, and the combined choruses sang the U.S. and Norwegian national anthems, always a moving moment.

But the afternoon was not complete without two more songs. Just like at any important public gathering in Bergen, "Nystemten," known as "The Bergen Song," had to be sung, and SBSCA President Lori Ann Reinhall was there to sing it and teach it to everyone.

Afterward, everyone headed down to the Bergen Place park to see it illuminated at sunset and to sing "Happy Birthday, " making for another beautiful and moving moment.

Supporting the One Ocean Week Summit with music

Local composer and cellist Gretchen Yanover set the mood at the opening of the One Ocean Week Summit, playing pieces inspired by the oceans and waters of the Pacific Northwest. / Photo: Lori Ann Reinhall

In a town with so much musical talent, it would have been a lost opportunity not to showcase some of it at One Ocean Week, so when the organizers at Washington Maritime Blue asked the SBSCA for some musical support, we were there in a split musical second.

With a performance by Gretchen Yanover on her electric cello, we were able to set the perfect tone for the week's keynote event, the One Ocean Week Summit.

Yanover is both a performer and composer, who regularly appears with the Northwest Sinfonietta and orchestras throughout the Pacific Northwest. Much of her oeuvre has been inspired by the region's oceans and waters, and playing pieces from this repertory, she created exactly the right mood for the summit opening.

Jazz saxophonist Maureese Itson provided a lively welcome on board for the Statsraad Lehmkuhl. / Photo: Lori Ann Reinhall

And what is any big summit gathering without a party — and what is a party without good music?

That same evening, the summit organizers and VIP guests boarded the tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl for a banquet dinner — and the SBSCA was there again with the entertainment.

Setting a festive atmosphere for the cocktail hour was saxophonist superb Maureese MO'Sax Itson, who was able to offer American jazz favorites that have stood the test of time.

With a welcome on board like this, the evening went from one high to the next during an evening full of good food, engaging conversation, and lots of laughter — all in the spirit of One Ocean Week and the friendship our two sister cities share.