Blog & News
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Music makes your child smarter
Now starts a new school year. How can a parent help the child with the school work?
Since children nowadays are not mooving as much as before in our society, a common way is to try the kids play for instance football or tennis. Surely, kids should be physically active, but letting them play an instrument is another very good alternative!
Much researh has been made on music making and all it´s advantages. Learning how to play an instrument develops one´s ability to cooperate and makes is easier to learn other topics at school.
All musical practice gives an imprint in the brain- it formes new synapses which means that the various parts of the brain becomes better in cooperating. Teachers in music classes have always noted that pupils getting musical training better absorb the teaching in other subjects like languages and maths.
Photo: Ragna Fagelund
Today we know enough about music and brain to claim that musical training is good for all development of the child. A study by the US researchers Joseph M Piro and Camilo Ortiz showed that 7-year old kids are better linguistically developed if they also get musical education. A group of kids getting piano education for three years was compared with a group without piano lessons. Their teaching in language, reading and writing was similar as was their social background. After three years, there was a significant knowledge advantage for the children having had musical training.
Piros´ and Ortiz´results show the same as several others: musical training enhances mathematical and linguistic capacity in young adults.
Therefore, dear parents, do not forget the music!
Do you want to learn more about these matters, we recommend the web-site ”Den kulturella hjärnan”, a site where Gunnar Bjursell, professor in molecular biology at Karolinska institutet, and his collegues during 20 years have collected research data in the interdiciplanary diciplin cultural medicine.
Also read an article in Mitti Täby by Nordenfeltska Musikskolan & Opus Nordens Musikskola, 2019-09-05
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Sound of Music
Singalong-Artists-Masquerade-Cakeparty
Åsa enjoys the sun while writing her blog
Sound of Music - a singalong musical!
March 23rd we sing songs from Sound of Music together! A great event at Danderydsgården with singalong, masquerade and cakes. Opus Norden´s choirs for kids and grownups are rehearsing intensely for this great day. The most difficult melodies we can enjoy when they are performed by our wonderful choir pupils.
Book tickets now!
via email or post, click here.
It was in England, in 1999, where they, depending on the popularity of the film Sound of Music, found out to invite the public to sing together the good songs of the musical. The singing public was dressed up to anything from nuns to Tyrolleans, militaries and flying gees. This concept rapidly spread and took many countries with storm, not least in Sweden, just like the original musical and the the film had made.
For those who like masquerades, there are many suggestions in the happy songs of Sound of Music. You may dress like one of the Trapp kids, in curtain fabrics or in uniform, if you like to dream about your youth. People interested in plants may use an Edelweiss-hat. The sleep-walker may bring with her/him the night-cap, a blanket and join in "So long, Farewell". Or you just come as you are, to singalong and have fun!.
We really look forward to honor Richard Roger´s music and Oscar Hammerstein II:s texts together with You on March 23rd !
A blog post by Åsa Wilk
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Märta, 17, was at her first Romance concerto
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Here, she tells us about the impact of the concert:
- First of all, many thanks for a very nice evening, to Ragna and to Nina who invited me. Both arrangement and concept were very good, above all the short and nice introductions of the coming piece and the artist. Further, super nice to see all performing children showing all they have learned and to listen to all these fine singers!
Nina and Märta at the Spring ball
I have never before been at a romance evening, meaning that I went there without expectations, but I was really and positively surprised!
My impression of Opus Norden is that it is a very good place to develop your singing, proved by all the good singers we heared, and a school where you enjoy and get support.
Blogg av Nina 9/1-2019
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Mårten Falk´s work with a book in guitar teaching.
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Mårten tells us: - I worked with Gitarrmästaren on and off during 14 years and tested the ideas on hundreds of pupils.
The starting point was that I saw some particular common problems shared by many students: How to put right and left hand, note reading and feeling the rythm/pulse. I tried to find solutions to these problems. Gitarrmästaren 1 and 2 are the results of this search.
Mårten teaches
In the first book, the student starts to play at the bass strings instead of at the upper ones which results in the correct positions of both hands and the teacher avoids nagging about this.
The notes are tought by showing the systematic logic: the notes are in alphabetic order and in an upward scale notes are in an alphabetic scale while in a downward scale the alphabet is backwards. The names of the notes are repeated by letting the pupil play words from "the secret guitar language" formed by the note names.
Here is the Guitar book
The student also learns how to write notes. Much too often, they only learn how to read notes but to write them deepens the knowledge. (e.g. they write own compositions)
Feeling of pulse and rythm is trained by various exercises and interplay. The most important purpose of the book is to evoke the joy of playing. All tunes have been given very funny texts and with the help of these even the simplest new-beginner melodies are funny to play.
Blog by Mårten Falk 2018-12-29
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Are we taking care of our Swedish musical heritage?
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Similar to modern pop-texts, most Swedish romance texts are about unhappy love. Romances often express a Swedish melancholy but also burning passion.
Photo: Sara Arnald
When you start listening to Petersson-Berger´s and Rangström´s songs, they really grow and and you get more and more impressed to find so many expressions and musical aspects in them. That the texts are written by poets like Gustav Fröding and Bo Bergman makes them even better.
Why is it important not to loose this part of our history?
Well, there may be as many answers as there are listeners, but our understanding of real life in earlier generations make us more ready to understand today´s reality better. Nowadays, things are pretty good in our society but when these songs were composed, most Swedes lived under very poor conditions. Still, feelings are similar.
Till havs is one of our most known classics. Here we see Gehrman´s fantastic edition of 115 Swedish romances. Photo: Katarina Arvidson
We at Opus Norden want to protect this Swedish musical treasure, and all our pupils are singing these romances suitable to their voices. The songs also help to develop one´s voice and give a full story in a few minutes. We encourage the children to think freely so that they can develop their interpretation. Each song may be read differently and everyone should be proud of their own version.
What does Swedish romance-art give us today?
To understand another person´s life situation increases one´s empathy and understanding of others. The musical sounds used by composers a hundred years back and more, were particular of their own time. To be able to enjoy this musical treasure develops and enriches us humans.
Blog by Katarina Arvidson 24/10-2018
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Why join a course in choir-singing with Ragna?
Ragna has an intens curiosity to find out how every individual can develop their voice. She is very meticulous and does not give up until everybody has achieved whatever they can until the lesson is over. Ragna is effective and very well prepared with notes to everyone, and still has a large portion of humor and often laughs.
Ragna prepares Sound of Music
We humans must dare to enter an unknown world when we start singing and Ragna has a good understanding of how this may feel. To feel safe and understood is very important when one enters something very disclosing like singing.
With Ragna you are both seen and listened to.
Ragna conducts during the Music School´s spring concert.
Why is this so good? Most importantly, Ragna has two educations. She has a complete conducting exam for both choir and orchestra and full education as teacher of singing. This gives a true understanding of singing and playing music otherwise difficult to achieve.
There are many kinds of singing schools. Ragna has been educated in a classic school with opera singers where the purpose is to make the whole body engaged.
Ragna with one of her note-books.
In order to learn how to sing simple and freely over one´s whole tone register, without pressing the muscles of the throut and vocal cords, one has to find the body´s own way of supporting of every tone level.And how is the body supporting the singing?
Simply explained the balance achieved between the muscles for breathing in and out helps you to sing at different levels.
This is a system of reflexes that takes around seven years to learn. Ragna has gone through all this and her empathy also counts!
Blog by Katarina Arvidson 9/10-2018
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Magnus in Italy
”A year ago, I was in Cuneo in Piedmonte (Northern Italy) giving a seminar at the Cueno Conservatory. Now I have been invited again to give a concert and a Master Class".
Photo: Magnus Andersson
Cuneo Town turned out to be a real pearl which also goes for it´s Conservatory.
One of the great advantages of Italy is keeping much of it´s structure from old times where many states and towns have kept their culture and individuality.
During my first visit, my hosts brought me to a vineyard close to Langhe, where some of the world´s best wines are produced, the famous Barolo wines.
These regions are also known for their Gorgonzola cheese and it´s truffles, a Mecca four gourmands!
One of the town´s cafés also make the choclate desert Cuneesi al Rhum - a nice little bisquit with choclate and Rhum, also marvellous!
Even Hemingway stayed in Cuneo on his way to Nice, to try cuneesi.
The Conservatory not only gives advanced teaching in guitar but is also one of the leading schools of elektroacustic music in Italy. I really love to return to Cuneo"
Verlingueri introduces me to the class of guitar and composing.
Prior to Cuneo I gave a concert in Alessandria at their Conservatory and a seminar at their humanistic grammar school, the school where Umberto Eco studied.
They listened devoutly to modern guitar music and my lesson about this music for an hour, a great experience!
Here an Italian website about next week´s consert i Cuneo.
A blog by Magnus Andersson
Stockholm, September 27th, 2018
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The world´s best guitarmaker!
A little story from my trip to England last week. I was there to pick up a new guitar from Liam Romanillos. I had been waiting for 14 years!
This type of instrument, either new or used, almost never appears on the market.
Liam - The guitar - Magnus
Romanillos is considered as of the great artists in the history of guitar building. I played on one of his guitars for the first time in 1973. The direct response, the dynamics and the wooden sound hit me directly in solar plexus. I ordered a guitar at once. It was two years waiting time and the prize was £300.
Liam´s workbench - Click on the picture and read more about Liam´s guitars
I picked up the instrument in Wiltshire, England, three years later, 1976. Jose had his studio in the garden of the gutarist Julian Breames. In the garden there was an old stable, rebuilt to a workshop.
When Magnus is not playing on his new guitar, he teaches kids at our Music School. Click on the picture to learn more!
Since then, I have always had a new guitar on order, and now I retrieved my 4th instrument. Nowadays it is Liam, son of Jose, who builds the guitars. As you can see, it is a rare and beautiful instrument.
Are you an adult who wants to play the guitar - click on the picture
I have tried all the famous guitars but I still consider these instruments to be the very best. You will certainly here the guitar in the near future!
Having picked up the guitar, Magnus and Liam went to the pub
Having tried the instrument for the very first time, we went to celebrate at the local pub with a beer and a steak&kidney pie.
A blog by Magnus Andersson
Stockholm, September 20th, 2018
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Opus Norden
goes for quality!
”Everything was better in the old days!”, is that really true? When I grew up, as a music student, in Drammen, Norway, there was a nice meeting point for all who were interested in music: in the center of town there was a shop selling notes and instruments and around the corner you could by records.
Lycke Music kompani owned the shop. There, I always found someone I knew or a new potential contact, so pleasure and business went hand-in-hand. When I got a new piece I had to learn, I went straight to this shop and bought the notes. Now, I have a large library of notes at home.
Two favorite notes- Look how I have tried to keep them alive!
When I began at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm it was at Eric´s on Karlavägen where we could buy notes or look for notes we
didn´t have.
This shop soon closed, followed by closing of Aulo´s on Folkungagatan and Gehrman´s moved out of town.
Musicians and pupils began copying more and more so profits of the shops disappeared. Leading to even more copying.
Even music schools and high schools have fallen in this trap and turned to loose-leaf systems with copied notes. Of course, this means that those publishing notes must struggle even harder to survive.
Nowadays, one can buy notes on the web, which of course is good if you know what to order. Anyway, my impression is that it´s more difficult to publish modern classical music and also harder to trace notes of such music on the web.
Children have difficulties in handling copies that break all the time. This is bad quality and takes much time from preparering and teaching. Also elder pupils may forget to bring their notes and mean: "what, it´s only for you to copy more notes…".
How is Opus Norden working to get away from this trend?
Das Lied is one of my favorites, unfortunately not published any longer
Since a few years, I have begun to use note-books in my education. It means a much better quality, both for kids and adults to have a fine book to look at, we both read notes and look at good illustrations.
When I found out that some of my teachers had copied a whole book, I had to re-think; my kind teachers doing all they can for the children and their parent´s wallets, use several hours to copy note-books to the pupils!??
Such copying takes about two hours; say 500 SEK/hour, the cost is 1000 SEK plus paper and printing stuff. To buy the book costs 230 SEK. This is pure madness!
Therefore, I now look for note-books for my teachers to use in their education. Books of such quality that the pupils may have them for the rest of their lives!
These days, Opus Norden works to reduce copying and to increase the use of printed notes.
One of my favorites which I often use, is Songs of Bellman published by Notfabriken. Reporter Åsa now has the task to interview chief Ingemar Hahne at Notfabriken, so that we can find out their policy and manner of work with this fine publication etc. Follow us!
This is one of Opus Norden´s present investments in quality. Let the market for printed notes become as good as in the old days!
A blog post by Ragna Fagelund - 20170303
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Sound of Music
Singalong-Artists-Masquerade-Cakeparty
The story:
The notes we use
Do you remember what the musical Sound of Music is about? To me it evokes vague memories of beautiful alps, jumping and singing children. Would someone ask me to for instance name a single one of the main figures favorite things fem the song "My favorite thing" , I would be silent… This inspired me to write a short resumé of the story facing the event of Sound of Music at Danderydsgården, on October 15th.
The story evolves in Austria in 1938, during the difficult period when the German Nazis get all stronger in Europe. The main character, Maria, has followed her mission and studies to become a nun, but she is too vivacious and inspired by Nature to stay indoors, following all the strict monastery rules. The abedissa gives her the mission to become a governant to the Trapp family to be a teacher for their children. Their father is a retired marine officer and and alone with the kids since their mother´s death, having kept them under military discipline. They are ordered to dress in uniforms and stand in a row every morning.
Maria re-introduces music, love and warmth to the von Trapp family and slowly she also wins the heart of the old officer, which was not in her initial plans. Maria´s wish to become a nun was serious but after hesitation and advice from the abedissa, Maria and Herr von Trapp marry. Together, the new family finds hope and courage to survive and bring their music further when Austria is invaded by the Nazis.
Maria and the von Trapp family are no fiktive persons.Maria lived between 1905 and 1987. A friend asked her to write her memoires, which she resisted for long, but when she started is became a book, "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers", from 1949. In 1956 a film was made of the book in West Germany, developing to the world famous musical, first played in 1959, later a film "Sound of Music" from 1965..
The life of the von Trapp family:
Maria was, like in the musical, determined to become a nun, starting at the Nonnberg monastery in 1924. She had a teacher exam from Wienna in 1923. It was loving the children rather than the 25 year older retired officer, that made her marry Georg von Trapp in 1927. Together, they got three children and Georg had three kids since before.
Due to the depression because of the economic disaster in 1929, the von Trapp family suffered a a great economic falldown. Georg von Trapp had put all his fortune in a bank, owned by a close friend. The bank went bankrupt and von Trapp had to dismiss all servants while the family moved to the top floor, renting all the rest of the house.
Father Franz Wasner, a catolic priest and a good friend of George, soon became the family´s conductor and musical leader. But their singing career speeded up when the famous soprano Lotte Lehmann heard them sing. She suggested that they would perform and making concerts. Their singing was sent in radio which gave more concerts.
Their family life, was difficult like for most other Austrian families due to the Nazi regime. They therefore left Austria in 1938, first going to Italy and then to the United States. Their house was captured by the Nazis and became Heinrich Himmler´s head-quarter.
In their new homeland the family made performances both in the US and Canada, and later all over the world. In 1957 the Trapp Family Singers stopped singing and Maria and three of her children worked as missionaries in Papua New Guinea.
A blog post by Åsa Wilk
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Sound of Music
Singalong-Artists-Masquerade-Cakeparty
Åsa enjoys the sun while writing her blog
Sound of Music - a singalong musical!
Oktober 15th we sing songs from Sound of Music together! A great event at Danderydsgården with singalong, masquerade and cakes. Opus Norden´s choirs for kids and grownups are rehearsing intensely for this great day. The most difficult melodies we can enjoy when they are performed by our wonderful choir pupils.
Book tickets now!
via email or post, click here.
It was in England, in 1999, where they, depending on the popularity of the film Sound of Music, found out to invite the public to sing together the good songs of the musical. The singing public was dressed up to anything from nuns to Tyrolleans, militaries and flying gees. This concept rapidly spread and took many countries with storm, not least in Sweden, just like the original musical and the the film had made.
For those who like masquerades, there are many suggestions in the happy songs of Sound of Music. You may dress like one of the Trapp kids, in curtain fabrics or in uniform, if you like to dream about your youth. People interested in plants may use an Edelweiss-hat. The sleep-walker may bring with her/him the night-cap, a blanket and join in "So long, Farewell". Or you just come as you are, to singalong and have fun!.
We really look forward to honor Richard Roger´s music and Oscar Hammerstein II:s texts together with You on October 15th !
A blog post by Åsa Wilk
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Free Voicetraining
Would you like to try voicetraining in combination with singing? Try now!
Welcome with your booking!
Foto: Per B. Adolphson
Voicetraining combined with singing:
- Tuesday 28 april kl 19.00-20.30
- Wednesday 27 maj kl 12.00-13.00 middle level
- Friday 29 maj beginners
- Monday 1 juni kl.19.00-20.30 middle-advanced
- Thursday 4 juni kl.19.00-20.30 beginners
Courses at Nora torg. Would you like to try, register or know more:
Voicetraining for businesses
Voicetraining for privates
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Music Festival May 23rd 2015
Danderydsgården & Nora Torg
Opus Norden´s first Music Festival in Danderyd, with 6 concerts, each 30 minutes by pupils from the music school, teachers/artists and guest artists. Performers 6-75 years, from beginners to professionals. Tickets may be booked from May 16th onwards. A more detailed program will be published in the beginning of May.
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Concert 1
Danderydsgården 10.30-11.00
Asuka Nakamura´s piano pupils
Harald Nygren´s singing pupils.
Soloist: Åsa Harald violin
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Concert 2
Danderydsgården 11.30-12.00
Ira Mogilevsky´s piano pupils
Choir school Astrid Lindgren
Soloists: Asuka Nakamura & Holmia Ventus
Holmia Ventus
Blåsarna från Stockholm kommer !
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Lunch with jazz and opera
Nora Torg 12.00 - 13.00
Nico's pizzeria, two sittings, meal included in ticket, more info later.
Ira Mogilevsky jazz pianist
Harald Nygren opera singer
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Concert 3
Danderydsgården 13.00-13.30
Solister: Holmia Ventus
Choir school Alice Tegnér
Concert 4
Danderydsgården 14.00-14.30
Ragna Fagelund´s singing pupils & the choir school sings "Ri, Ri på Islandshest"
Norwegian songs recorded by Ragna´s Norwegian choir, Åssiden Skolekor.Ira Mogilevsky´s piano pupils
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Concert 5
Danderydsgården 15.00-15.30
Super group of the music school: Sound of Music
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Coffée and a lot of cakes!
Danderydsgården 15.45-16.30
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Concert 6 -Singalong!
Danderydsgården 16.30-18.00
Adults from voice training
Soloists
*****
Grilling party
Danderydsgården from 18.30
Members of Club Opus Norden & pupils/parents of the music school
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Artists
Ragna Fagelund
*****
Åsa Harald
*****
Asuka Nakamura
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Harald Nygren
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Ira Mogilevsky
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Surprise
Danderydsgården from 20.45
Members of Club Opus Norden & pupils/parents of the music school
Welcome with your application!
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Sound of Music
Singalong-Artists-Masquerade-Cakeparty
The story:
The notes we use
Do you remember what the musical Sound of Music is about? To me it evokes vague memories of beautiful alps, jumping and singing children. Would someone ask me to for instance name a single one of the main figures favorite things fem the song "My favorite thing" , I would be silent… This inspired me to write a short resumé of the story facing the event of Sound of Music at Danderydsgården, on October 15th.
The story evolves in Austria in 1938, during the difficult period when the German Nazis get all stronger in Europe. The main character, Maria, has followed her mission and studies to become a nun, but she is too vivacious and inspired by Nature to stay indoors, following all the strict monastery rules. The abedissa gives her the mission to become a governant to the Trapp family to be a teacher for their children. Their father is a retired marine officer and and alone with the kids since their mother´s death, having kept them under military discipline. They are ordered to dress in uniforms and stand in a row every morning.
Maria re-introduces music, love and warmth to the von Trapp family and slowly she also wins the heart of the old officer, which was not in her initial plans. Maria´s wish to become a nun was serious but after hesitation and advice from the abedissa, Maria and Herr von Trapp marry. Together, the new family finds hope and courage to survive and bring their music further when Austria is invaded by the Nazis.
Maria and the von Trapp family are no fiktive persons.Maria lived between 1905 and 1987. A friend asked her to write her memoires, which she resisted for long, but when she started is became a book, "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers", from 1949. In 1956 a film was made of the book in West Germany, developing to the world famous musical, first played in 1959, later a film "Sound of Music" from 1965..
The life of the von Trapp family:
Maria was, like in the musical, determined to become a nun, starting at the Nonnberg monastery in 1924. She had a teacher exam from Wienna in 1923. It was loving the children rather than the 25 year older retired officer, that made her marry Georg von Trapp in 1927. Together, they got three children and Georg had three kids since before.
Due to the depression because of the economic disaster in 1929, the von Trapp family suffered a a great economic falldown. Georg von Trapp had put all his fortune in a bank, owned by a close friend. The bank went bankrupt and von Trapp had to dismiss all servants while the family moved to the top floor, renting all the rest of the house.
Father Franz Wasner, a catolic priest and a good friend of George, soon became the family´s conductor and musical leader. But their singing career speeded up when the famous soprano Lotte Lehmann heard them sing. She suggested that they would perform and making concerts. Their singing was sent in radio which gave more concerts.
Their family life, was difficult like for most other Austrian families due to the Nazi regime. They therefore left Austria in 1938, first going to Italy and then to the United States. Their house was captured by the Nazis and became Heinrich Himmler´s head-quarter.
In their new homeland the family made performances both in the US and Canada, and later all over the world. In 1957 the Trapp Family Singers stopped singing and Maria and three of her children worked as missionaries in Papua New Guinea.
A blog post by Åsa Wilk
*******
Sound of Music
Singalong-Artists-Masquerade-Cakeparty
Åsa enjoys the sun while writing her blog
Sound of Music - a singalong musical!
Oktober 15th we sing songs from Sound of Music together! A great event at Danderydsgården with singalong, masquerade and cakes. Opus Norden´s choirs for kids and grownups are rehearsing intensely for this great day. The most difficult melodies we can enjoy when they are performed by our wonderful choir pupils.
Book tickets now!
via email or post, click here.
It was in England, in 1999, where they, depending on the popularity of the film Sound of Music, found out to invite the public to sing together the good songs of the musical. The singing public was dressed up to anything from nuns to Tyrolleans, militaries and flying gees. This concept rapidly spread and took many countries with storm, not least in Sweden, just like the original musical and the the film had made.
For those who like masquerades, there are many suggestions in the happy songs of Sound of Music. You may dress like one of the Trapp kids, in curtain fabrics or in uniform, if you like to dream about your youth. People interested in plants may use an Edelweiss-hat. The sleep-walker may bring with her/him the night-cap, a blanket and join in "So long, Farewell". Or you just come as you are, to singalong and have fun!.
We really look forward to honor Richard Roger´s music and Oscar Hammerstein II:s texts together with You on October 15th !
A blog post by Åsa Wilk
*******
Mother of the week
While the kids are singing with Ragna Åsa gets the chance to get to know their nice and engaged parents. Some of these will be presented on Opus Norden´s social media as "Mother of the week" or "Father of the week". We start with Nelly´s mummy, Jekaterina Arsalani Nejad. Nelly has been singing with Ragna for many years.
The main door´s code lock sounds when Jekaterina and Nelly comes in from the cold outside. Ragna immediately takes care of Nelly. After a quick hug they almost run up to the grand piano and starts warming up. Jekaterina on the other hand, without any kind of warming up, becomes a photo model. Either stand by the window or sit in an armchair with Ragna´s jungle of plants in the background. She is completely relaxed in this unusual situation! During the whole session we listen to Ragna and Nelly warming up next-door, their voices going up and dawn or the opposite:
- ÅååååÅåååå, Mamamamama, Vavavavava...
Jekaterina and myself keep smiling. Although they are only warming up their voices, the singing influence our minds and everything feels natural; for Jekaterina as a model and for me with the camera, in spite of not having met before.
Jekatarina Nejad Nellys mamma
Foto: Åsa Wilk
I ask Jekaterina about her background, in order to get a view of what music means for Nelly and the whole familly. Jekaterina has studied music, played violin and piano when she grew up, now working with IT as system developer. Her own parents did not have much musical background but they encouraged her to spend time with music, something she is happy for these days. From here, our conversation turned to personal stories, all confirming with what power music affects both body and soul. Together, we got lost in the fascination of the voice as an instrument, not least as an instrument in our daily life where we can use the voice to achieve different goals.
- The reasons for Nelly to sing with Opus Norden and Ragna are simply because Ragna´s choirs sound so good, according to Jekaterina. She clearly sees and hears the evident progress Nelly makes and Nelly herself thinks it is fun to sing.
Again, there is sound from the main door and we have to end our conversation. Here comes a happy girl with braids in her hair together with her mummy who will become next week´s "Mother of the week"! Who might she be…??
A blog post by Åsa Wilk - 20170116
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Consert at
Gripsholm castle
Friederike-Sebastian-Asuka på Gripsholms slott 27 augusti 2016
In beautiful summer weather, me and Ragna took the car to Gripsholm castle. The Södertäljebridge was repaired, no more queuing. We had something to eat with two friends and went over to the beautiful castle.
The konsert with chamber music for bassoon, oboe and piano was presented by Sebastian Stevensson on bassoon, Friederike Hulman on oboe and one of Opus Norden´s artists, Asuka Nakamura at the grand piano which was a brand new Steinway!
We enjoyed wonderful and perfectly presented music by Beethoven, Poulenc, Camille Saint Saens, Francais and Brahms.
Sebastian is this years winner of the soloist-prise in Radio Sweden. He is son of Kjell-Inge Stevensson, previously first clarinettist in the Swedish Radio Symphony orchestra, who sadly died much too early. His wife Margareta was, together with some family members, listening to to this concert. Sebastian presently works in the Danish Radio symphony orchestra where he last year played together with Friedrieke who comes from Germany but now plays in the Stockholm opera orchestra. Asuka has since many years been working as a teacher and artist of Opus Norden.
Gripsholm castle was built in the 14th century, Gustav Vasa lived here, among other nobilities. The buildings were renovated in the 19th century and is well worth seing! It has a magnificent charisma, not least due to the 4000 portraits.
In the consert hall you could see a famous painting of Gustav Vasa in natural size and all around the hall were large paintings of powerful celebrities from the 16th century, all named on the paintings except the King!
After the konsert, we took pictures of the artists and the Sebastian family before returning to Stockholm. The consisting impression comes from the wonderful music, so brilliantly presented by these eminent musicians, many thanks !!
Reporter: Torgny Svenberg
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Iras konsert
Under förgyllda kerubers överinseende och till en näst intill fullsatt kyrka, spelade Opus Nordens artist Ira Mogilevsky, samt Per Norlén och Johan Denke, jazz i Järfälla kyrka. Evenemanget hette Musik i sommarkväll, sväng åt vänster och norrut" och det gick av stapeln den 17 augusti 2016.
Sensommarregnet föll där ute mot fönsterrutorna, men inne i kyrkan blev världen snart underbar genom Johan Denkes arrangemang av de båda låtarna "What a Wonderful World", av G D Weiss och Bob Thiele, och "Over the Rainbow" av Harold Arlen. Många likaledes välkända jazzmelodier med ordentligt schvung i serverades publiken under kvällen. Energin, som på detta sätt accelererades, kom till användning i halvtid, när Johan Denke bjöd in publiken att tralla med i "Bossa på tå(b)" av Lars Gullin.
Jazz är improvisationens musik och den kan hämta sin grundmelodi från nästan vilken typ av annan musik som helst. Detta bevisades inte minst den här kvällen, när psalmerna 56, "Gammal är kyrkan" och psalm nr 209, "O Gud all sannings källa", framfördes i jazzigt format.
Att gå på konsert är inte bara godis för öronen. Det är minst lika njutbart att se när artisterna skapar musiken på sina respektive instrument; fingrar som löper snabbt över klaviaturen, den tätt sammanflätade dansen mellan saxofon och musiker. När Ira framförde sitt solonummer, den fartfyllda låten "Night & Day" av Cole Porter, såg man hur läpparna rörde sig i stum sång och kroppen följde med fingrarnas vandringar fram och tillbaka.
Många var också instrumenten som användes och presenterades denna kväll. Per Norlén orienterade publiken i saxofonernas mångsidiga värld. Både sopran-, alt- och tenorsaxofonen fick komma till tals i olika låtar. Per bemästrade även kontrabasen, ett betydelsefullt instrument inom jazzen med sitt djupa rytmiska ljud. Johan Denke visade upp sin pianostol, som visade sig vara en kashong, ett lådformat rytminstrument, som används ungefär på samma sätt som en trumma. Det spelades piano, men även orgel, och i låten "The midnight sun will never set" av Quincy Jones och Henri Salvador, tog Ira fram en melodika, ett blåsinstrument som uppfanns mot slutet av 50-talet och kan sägas vara besläktat med dragspel och munspel.
Publiken visade sin beundran för artisterna med högljudda applåder mellan varje låt. Stämningen var på topp och det bjöds naturligtvis på ett svängigt extranummer; "It don´t mean a thing (if it ain´t got that swing) av Duke Ellington.
En reportage av Åsa Wilk
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Training before Singalong October 15th
Opus Norden will organize a Singalong in Danderydsgården October 15th.
The Singalong theme is Sound of Music - Welcome in "Sound of Music clothes" if you like.
Before this we have a little course, those who wish to be on stage can help lead the Singalong. But the whole public will sing!
Foto: Per B. Adolphson
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Open house August 26 and September 2 at 19.15
Those who wish to try-on Singalong are welcome. If you wish you may participate in the rest of the course.
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You may help to choose repertoire. We need to know how many participants there will be!
Välkommen med din intresseanmälan!
Open house August 26 and September 2 at 19.15 Those who wish to try-on Singalong are welcome. If you wish you may participate in the rest of the course.
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You may help to choose repertoire. We need to know how many participants there will be!
Välkommen med din intresseanmälan!
Skivrelease & Prisvinnarparty
8 maj kl.15.00 Adolf Fredriks Musikklasser
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O Magnum Mysterium
Nu släpper vi skivan O Magna Mysterium!
Skivrelease fredag 8 maj mellan kl.15.00 och kl. 16.15 på skolgården Adolf Fredriks musikklasser.
Träffa 9cdaf15, deras dirigent - Natalia Edvall och få ett musikaliskt smakprov.
Skivan, liksom enklare fika, finns att köpa på plats!
Klicka på länken och ni kan läsa mer om skivan och till vänster under film & musik kan ni lyssna på smakprov från skivan.
Ni kan anmäla er via evenemang på
Opus Nordens nya facebook sida
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1. pris till 9cdaf15 i Venedig!
Foto: Jon Manker
9cdaf15 & Natalia Edvall gör succé i Venzia in Musica! Ungdommarna är i särklass för sig och var så kaxiga att de tävlade i vuxenklassen. Där fanns även proffskörer.
9cdaf15 & Natalia Edvall vann kategorin för Sakral musik!
9cdaf15 & Natalia Edvall fick guldmedalj i kategorin mixed choir.
9cdaf15 & Natalia Edvall var ett hårsmån från att även vinna Grand Prix tävlingen där sju av domarna utvalda körer från alla kategorier, tävlade mot varandra. Stockholm Singers vann med knappa 0,73 poäng. Häpnadsväckande gjord av ungdomarna och Natalia Edvall!
9cdaf15 sjöng med en sådan glöd att publiken blev djupt berörd.
Särskild i Verily (klicka vänster under 8. Verily för att lyssna på smakprov) där de spred sig ut i hela domkyrkan och Natalia Edvall dirigerade med ansiktet mot publiken. Stort nöje att se Natalia!
Complimenti ! Du är bäst!
Skivan de har spelat in är helt fantastisk och ni kan lyssna live fredag 8 maj kl. 15.00 då det är release party på Adolf Fredrik.
Ni kan anmäla er via evenemang på
Opus Nordens nya facebook sida
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Try-on courses for the Music School in May and June 2015
Do you have a child wanting to try the choir school, singing- or piano lessons? Try now!
Piano teaching - Classical & Jazz
During May and June you may register on a try-on courses, 3 x 30 minutes solo-lessons or choir for 8 year kids 3 x 45 minutes.
Choir school for 6-8 year old children
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