Tuesday Open House: Cheryl Paschke — “Suite for Nyckelharpa” by Marva Hart

11 AM lunch, 12 noon program with Cheryl Paschke, nickelharpa, and composer Marya Hart, piano

“Suite  for Nyckelharpa” by Marva Hart, plus traditional nyckelharpa tunes on a three-row  nyckelharpa

Suite for Nyckelharpa - New Wine in an Old Bottle

Cheryl Paschke, nyckelharpa and composer/pianist Marya Hart Nyckelharpa is a traditional instrument originally used in particular Swedish social situations

and dance settings. What can we do with the instrument’s peculiarities and beauties in the 21st century? Composer Marya Hart has created a set of pieces for contemporary players, making use of folk forms and moving through them into concert repertoire. Minneapolis nyckelharpist Cheryl Paschke performs, with the composer at the keyboard. The performance will be followed by an audience Q&A, where player and composer will discuss the process of commissioning and creating this work, and a few traditional tunes.

Tuesday Open House is a program of Mindekirken dedicated to expanding knowledge for persons interested in Mindekirken and Norwegian literature, culture, history, music, theology, and art. As the United State's last remaining Norwegian-speaking church, Mindkeirken is devoted to its roots and connection to the vibrant Norwegian-American population in Minneapolis and its evergrowing immigrant and American Indian neighbors who call Ventura Village home.  The program provides a weekly opportunity for fellowship, devotions and a delicious luncheon. $10 cash/check is requested at the door.

With greetings from the consul of Iceland Jeannie Fox Entenza, Honorary Consul of Iceland for Minnesota and North Dakota. 

Cheryl Paschke

Cheryl Paschke started playing nyckelharpa as an adult, having first encountered the instrument in Sweden at a Midsommar celebration.  She has studied locally and abroad, is an active performer in several Twin Cities-based groups, including Tjärnblom, Twin Cities Nyckelharpalag, The Swedish Trio, and Finn Hall. She performed in the VocalEssence 2019 premier of “Nordic Christmas” by Kim André Arnesen and as soloist with the East Metro Symphony Orchestra. Cheryl plays traditional music on a Swedish (3-row) nyckelharpa and classical music on a Continental (4-row) nyckelharpa.

Marya Hart

Marya Hart is a composer, pianist and music director living in Minneapolis. Her compositions – primarily vocal and theatrical – have appeared on stage in US, Canada, and Guam. Recent works include commissions from the University of Calgary, Voices of Hope, and Springboard for the Arts. For many years she has accompanied Ross Sutter and Cheryl Paschke in The Swedish Trio.