Mari Midtli & Carl Petter Opsahl

Foto Petter Opsahl: Eva Karlsson | Foto Mari Midtli: Pressebilde

As part of our focus on the meeting between jazz and folk music, we present two outstanding performers, Mari Midtli and Carl Petter Opsahl, in the newly restored chapel at Lillehammer Church. This will be a unique concert with encounters between traditions and genres.

Carl Petter Opsahl is undoubtedly one of the country's most original and productive clarinetists. With over 40 years on stage, he has toured both at home and abroad, and has an impressive range of collaborations spanning from Caledonia Jazzband to Jokke and Valentinerne. In recent years, Opsahl has explored the rich tonal palette of the bass clarinet as a solo instrument, often drawing from the deep folk music traditions of Gudbrandsdalen. His expression is characterized by a rare ear for melodies, tonal colors, playful improvisation, and warm communication.

Mari Midtli from Sel is a singing talent of exceptional class and is considered one of the foremost singers in Norwegian traditional music. She has deep roots in folk music and has won several prestigious awards, including two victories in Vocal Class B at the Landskappleiken and, last but not least, the A-class in 2019, confirming her position as one of Norway's leading vocal performers in the Gudbrandsdal tradition. Midtli has a unique ability to convey old, unused vocal material and has performed as a soloist with both TrondheimSolistene and KORK.

This will be an intimate and perfect warm-up for the grand church concert with Kleive & Reiersrud. A heartwarming and moving musical experience!