Norwegian Hardanger Fiddle Concert

"Norsota" Sons of Norway in Apple Valley is excited to present the Twin Cities Hardingfelelag Fiddler Group.

Come one come all to this FREE live concert and meal. There will be a variety of soups and desserts to enjoy along with our always intriguing silent auction. We look forward to meeting you! And if you're interested, you may dance to the music, too!

Also, you do not have to be Norwegian or a son to attend. ALL are welcome!

The instruments played by the Twin Cities Hardingfelelag Fiddler Group include both early twentieth century fiddles by well-known Norwegian makers and recent instruments by makers in the U.S.

What's special about a Hardanger fiddle you might wonder? It's Norway's national folk instrument!

The Hardanger fiddle (Hardingfele in Norwegian) is structurally similar to the violin. But a Hardanger fiddle looks different from a violin. It has black pen-and-ink drawings, elaborate mother-of-pearl inlay, and its scroll is topped with the carved head of a dragon.

A Hardanger fiddle also sounds different from a violin. What makes the sound of a Hardanger fiddle distinctive is the set of four or five additional strings that run underneath the fingerboard. These sympathetic strings are not bowed, but add echoing overtones to the fiddle's sound.

This instrument originated in the area around the Hardanger fjord in western Norway. The oldest known Hardanger fiddle dates from around 1651. Learn more about Hardanger fiddles at the Hardanger Fiddle Association of America.

We look forward to seeing you at 7:00pm, October 12th in Apple Valley.

Artist: Twin Cities Hardingfelelag Fiddler Group