Silent Night – Classic Christmas – The Song the World Embraced
An atmospheric classical Christmas concert where soprano Marit Kristine Risnes, cellist Ilmari Hopkins and pianist Goedele Taveirne perform traditional and well-loved Christmas songs in an intimate acoustic setting.
“Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht” by Franz Gruber is a song that has been embraced by generations and continues to touch hearts around the world. It was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818, in a small village in Austria, more than 200 years ago. The organ at St Nicholas Church was out of order, so, to create a festive atmosphere for the evening service, organist Gruber composed a song that could be performed with simple lute accompaniment. Thus, the first performance of the world’s most famous Christmas carol, “Silent Night”, took place on Christmas Eve in Oberndorf.
With “Silent Night” and its origins as the central theme, these professional performers present an atmospheric programme leading up to Christmas.
In 2026, the concert will take place for the 10th consecutive year and has become a much-loved tradition for both audiences and performers, with a “high goosebump factor”, according to Sandnesposten.
Marit Kristine Risnes – soprano
Ilmari Hopkins – cello
Goedele Taveirne – piano
Duration: 1 hour
Organiser: Marit Kristine Risnes-Soprano
