Norwegian classical singer Anne-Lise Berntsen has modeled a musical project after the centuries-old practice of trade between the Norwegians in East Finnmark and Russians living on the coast of the White Sea.
The historical trade between Northeast Norway and Northwest Russia is being revived today through the classical music of the Pomor Ensemble.
- My intention was to create a new Pomor invention of string players, Berntsen says.
She recently moved to the city of Norwegian town of Vardø, in the country’s Northeast. Berntsen says she believes this new kind of trade can bring something sorely lacking in this area of Norway.
- I lost my heart in Northeast Finnmark, Berntsen says, but she found there were no classical musicians at all in the area.
She aims to change that through a kind of cultural and musical trade led by the Pomor Ensemble. The double string quartet is made up of six young musicians from Arkhangelsk, Russia. Berntsen is the creative lead on the project, with support from Olga Goldobina and Dmitry Gilev, lead violinists in the Murmansk Symphony Opera.
- We are working with historical music, Berntsen says, which adds to the sense that the ensemble mirrors the historical relationship between Russia and Norway.
Berntsen’s hope is this music will renew or re-establish contact between the two countries.
- I happen to be a real idealist, Berntsen says.
- I cannot see now that the Cold War is over we should not revive those connections.
On May 12, 2011, Berntsen was in Murmansk promoting her projects in the Barents Region and sat down to discuss them with the Barents Observer. Below are excerpts of the conversation and photos of Berntsen and the ensemble.
The idea for the Pomor Ensemble came to Berntsen when she began living in Vardø.
- I came to live in Northeast Norway and realized this is not Norwegian. Of course, it’s Russian, she says.
Berntsen says she believes Northeastern Norwegians feel a closer connection to Murmansk and wanted to foster and build on this connection through music.
- It is my idealistic purpose, she says.
- I think the people belong together.
Berntsen is currently promoting the ensemble to corporate partners who may agree help fund the cultural exchange project. The ensemble needs support to cover travel expenses while they perform in various venues in the region of East Finnmark and Northwest Russia. Their next concert will be in June and Berntsen has big plans for the future.
- I want to establish Vardø as a town in Norway where classical music and classical events are known, she says.
Growing the ensemble is also a priority.
- Our intention is to get really big in the next four to five years, Berntsen says.
