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Many regard Olov Johannson as Sweden's greatest craftsman on the nyckelharpa. With his brilliant solo playing and as a member of the group Väsen, he has been largely responsible for the explosion of nyckelharpa playing that has been witnessed recently in Sweden. Olov grew up in Tärnsjö in northern Uppland and began to play the nyckelharpa at age 14. About a year later he began to study with Curt Tallroth, a well-known bearer of the tradition from Harbo. Through Curt, Olov has learned tunes that have been played in northern Uppland for centuries, passed on from musician to musician. Olov has also played with Eric Sahlström, the most prominent nyckelharpa player of the 20th century. Since 1989, Olov has worked exclusively as a musician, principally with Väsen. But he also plays with Anders Bromander, Nyckelharpsorkestern, Björn Ståbi, Mats Berglund, Kalle Almlöf and as a solo artist. The popularity of the folk-rock group Nordman has brought the sound of Olov's harpa to the ears of more than one million record buyers. In 1997 he was honored to be the first Swedish folk musician to work with the world renowned American ensemble, the Kronos Quartet. Olov has toured in the U.S.A., Canada, India, Libya, Slovenia, France, Ireland, Scotland, Luxembourg, Italy, Japan and elsewhere. Olov works actively to pass on his musical inheritance, and has become a role model for many young nyckelharpa players. He gives instruction both at The Eric Sahlström-Institute and through the Royal Music College in Stockholm. Olov has received many awards and scholarships for his achievements as a musician. In 1984 he was selected as a National Musician, in 1989 he was awarded the Viksta-Lasse Scholarship, and in 1990 he was chosen as World's Master of both the modern and older type of nyckelharpa. In 1992 he received the Ceylon Wallin Scholarship and in 1995 the Vuxenskolan's Artist Stipendium. 2013 he received the Zorn Medal in gold, possibly the finest reward a traditional musician can get in Sweden.
Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to callers to discuss your thoughts on impeachment. WGBH's A Celtic Sojourn host Brian O’Donovan and Olov Johansson of the Scandinavian supergroup Väsen previewed A Christmas Celtic Sojourn. Emily Rooney, host of WGBH News' Beat The Press, joined us for her famous list of fixations and fulminations. Boston Globe travel writer Christopher Muther discussed the Row Hotel at Assembly Row, which was rated highly in a Travel & Leisure list of the best hotels in the U.S., and the ongoing debate over reliability at Logan Airport. WGBH Executive Arts Editor Jared Bowen reviewed Moby Dick the Musical, Netflix’s “Marriage Story,” and the latest Gold Dust Orphans production, titled “Christmas on Uranus.” WGBH’s Under the Radar host Callie Crossley discussed pushback to former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley’s comments about the Confederate flag, and Boston’s controversial sale of the South End’s Harriet Tubman House. Joshua Lewin, Katrina Jazayeri, and Ariel Knoebel of the Somerville restaurant Juliet joined us for our weekly news quiz, to promote the restaurant and their cook-booklet, titled “Our Market Season.”
Väsen is a three man band from Sweden, playing traditional and original music together for 30 years! They’ve just released a new record to celebrate their 30th anniversary, “Rule of 3” which we’ll hear about from Olov Johansson, who plays … More ... The post Olov Johansson member of Väsen celebrating 30 years! New CD “Rule of 3” appeared first on Paradigms Podcast.
Olov Johansson is perhaps the best known Nyckelharpa player in the world today. As one third of the Swedish power-trio Väsen he has toured the world as an ambassador for Nordic folk music for several decades now. He sat down with Neil to share his journey exploring traditional melodies and fresh collaborations all while building a unique and influential musical identity. Olov's website: olovjohansson.se Väsen: vasen.se
Var det helt enkelt lyckliga omständigheter som gjorde att VÄSEN blev VÄSEN? Inte helt omöjligt, konstaterar Olov Johansson och Roger Tallroth. Banbrytande på 90-talet erövrade de inte bara Sverige utan även stora delar av världen med sin musikaliska skicklighet och värme. Kom och upplev själv på Parksnäckan 26 juli då de stannar till på sin turné genom Sverige! Men först – GLAD MIDSOMMAR!
Väsen (Olov Johansson, Mikael Marin, and Roger Tallroth) are acclaimed composers and performers in the living tradition of Swedish folk music.They have a new CD Brewed and are currently touring in the US. A longtime musician, Rod Kinny has always … More ... The post Väsen – Swedish Folk Band, and Rod Kinney – Singer/Songwriter/Musician appeared first on Paradigms Podcast.