"It was almost incredible that a single voice could fill the church with such power and authority, while every word was clearly articulated." – Fitjar Church Magazine
An intimate and atmospheric Christmas concert in the beautiful Sola Ruin Church, right in the midst of the final Christmas preparations. A concert that highlights the quiet presence of Christmas peace.
Opera singer Leif Jone Ølberg returns to Sola, accompanied by his father Lars Bernhardt Ølberg on organ and piano, offering a serene concert experience in the run-up to Christmas. Leif Jone has recently performed on the Danish opera scene, appearing as a soloist in major roles at both The Royal Danish Opera and Den Jyske Opera, including Figaro in The Barber of Seville, Onegin in Onegin, Papageno in The Magic Flute, and Escamillo in Carmen. In Stavanger, he has been a soloist in major choral works, including Carmina Burana at Stavanger Concert Hall, the St. John Passion and the Mass in B Minor in Stokka Church, and Puccini’s Messa di Gloria in Stokka and Lura Church, as well as touring the West Coast with his father as accompanist.
The programme focuses on less frequently sung Norwegian Christmas hymns, highlighting songs and texts often overlooked in today’s commercial Christmas repertoire, but which carry deep meaning, faith, wonder, and longing. Examples include Elias Blix’s beautiful Sæle jolekveld, as well as O Holy Night, which shines when performed by an operatic voice.
Leif Jone Ølberg – vocals
Lars Bernhardt Ølberg – organ and piano
Duration: approx. 1 hr 15 min