NordSync Lab #3 is an interdisciplinary development laboratory for performing artists, bringing together professional musicians and artists from across the Nordic region.

The Lab will take place in Mo i Rana, Norway, from April 9–13, and focuses on exploring the national minorities of Norway and Sweden—their language, culture, and history—through artistic collaboration.

At the core of the Lab is a Sami-themed interdisciplinary production developed through a workshop-based process.

The project engages with themes of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage, with particular attention to the visibility and understanding of Sami culture in a contemporary Nordic context.

Through collaborative creation, participants explore how traditional and modern expressions can coexist and inform each other within a unified artistic framework.

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The Lab concludes with a public performance in Mo i Rana, presenting the results of the artistic development process.

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Participants

• Stepan Frolov – violin, project leader (Norway)
• Maria Frolova – viola, folk instruments, production (Norway)
• Carina Henriksson – soprano, artistic lead (Sweden)
• Roger Norén – piano, accordion (Sweden)
• Iida Alina Poijärvi – cello, piano (Norway/Finland)

We are pleased to welcome new NordSync artists from Sweden into this collaboration.

She is actively involved in developing projects that engage with local communities and traditions, while placing them in a contemporary artistic context.

https://www.glesbygdsdivan.se

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Exploring Inquiry-Based and Transdisciplinary Practices for Arts Educators

As part of the development of new interdisciplinary initiative KulturKombo, NordSync invites you to an open seminar with educator and IB specialist Lindsey Allan.

In winter 2026, NordSync—together with our partners Rødøy Orkesterforening (Norway) and KulturAkademin(Sweden)—began developing a new concept: an interdisciplinary arts summer camp where young participants can explore multiple art forms and learn how to combine them creatively.

We are pleased to announce that KulturKombo has received active support in both Norway and Sweden. The first edition will take place June 13–18, 2026 in Hemavan (Sweden), set in a unique mountain and ski resort environment. The camp will bring together around 80 young participants and 14 instructors from both countries.

The programme will span a wide range of disciplines, including folk, pop and rock music, dance, theatre, circus, African drumming, fire performance, cinematography, and filmmaking.

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Why this seminar?

One of the key challenges in developing an interdisciplinary arts camp is methodological:
There is no established framework for teaching multiple art forms simultaneously—especially to young participants with varying or no prior experience.

To address this, NordSync and Rødøy Orkesterforening are organizing a seminar focused on inquiry-based and transdisciplinary learning approaches, led by Lindsey Allan, who brings extensive experience from the International Baccalaureate (IB) system.

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Seminar details

📍 Location: Helma Hotel, Mo i Rana
📅 Date: April 10, 2026
🕔 Time: 17:00

The seminar will be held in a hybrid format:
– Instructors for the summer camp will attend in person
– Lindsey Allan will join via Zoom
– The seminar will also be streamed live on YouTube

The event is free and open to everyone, and online participants are welcome to join the discussion following the lecture.

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Lecture title

Exploring Inquiry-Based and Transdisciplinary Practices for Arts Educators

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About the speaker

She has served as Head of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and currently works as a classroom teacher and Special Education Coordinator at Children’s International School Sarpsborg—an arts-focused school following the inquiry-based International Baccalaureate (IB) framework.

Lindsey is passionate about creating learning environments where students feel curious, confident, and empowered to take ownership of their learning. She is a strong advocate for arts education and its role in both social and intellectual development.

A violinist since the age of seven, she continues to engage actively with music and currently performs with the Østfold Symphony Orchestra. Her early experiences in chamber music camps and conservatory programmes continue to inform her educational philosophy.

She holds a Master’s degree in the Art of Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education in New York City.

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We warmly welcome educators, artists, and anyone interested in interdisciplinary practices to join this seminar—either in person or online.

An interdisciplinary project exploring music, identity, and human connection

NordSync Project presents ÁRRAN – A Space for Dialogue and Community, an international artistic initiative exploring how music and performing arts can serve as a platform for dialogue, understanding, and shared experience.

Rooted in Sámi culture and traditions, the project brings together professional artists, young participants, and collaborators from different countries in a collective creative process. Through music, movement, storytelling, and conversation, ÁRRAN develops an artistic expression that not only communicates ideas, but actively invites reflection and participation.

ÁRRAN is not just a performance, but a meeting place – a symbolic “fireplace” – where different perspectives are welcomed, and where art becomes a tool for building connections between people, cultures, and communities.

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Youth Seminar in Mo i Rana

As part of the project, NordSync organizes an open and free seminar for youth and amateur musicians:

Dates: April 11–12
Location: Rana Kulturskole, Mo i Rana (Norway)

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• work closely with professional artists
• explore Sámi music and cultural traditions
• take part in workshops, ensemble playing, and creative processes
• contribute to the development of a final interdisciplinary performance

The seminar is open to participants of different levels, from beginners to more advanced musicians.

Accommodation is provided for participants traveling from outside Rana (limited capacity).

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Final Performance

The project will conclude with a public presentation:

“ÁRRAN – A Space for Dialogue and Community”
📍 Rana Kulturskole (Kammersalen)
📅 April 12 at 13:00

The performance presents the outcome of the creative process, combining music, stage expression, and themes of identity, belonging, and dialogue.

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Registration

To participate (and request accommodation):
📩 rodoy_orkesterforening@hotmail.com
Deadline: April 7, 2026

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About the Project

ÁRRAN is part of NordSync Project’s ongoing work to develop:

• interdisciplinary artistic productions
• cross-border collaboration in the Nordic and Barents regions
• meeting platforms between professional artists and emerging talents

The project highlights the role of art and culture as a driving force for dialogue, inclusion, and community-building in northern regions.

KlangFabriken & Sander Tingstad – Contemporary Ensembles and Artistic Identity

Don’t miss our next Online Seminar!

📅 April 4
🕙 10:00 AM (Oslo time)

This session brings together artists working at the forefront of contemporary and cross-genre music practice — from ensemble-building to redefining performance traditions.

Sander Tingstad (Norway)

In this seminar, he will reflect on:
– The relationship between folk and classical traditions
– How folk-inspired techniques can expand classical performance practice
– The importance of artistic individuality and authenticity in today’s music landscape

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KlangFabriken (Sweden)

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 Join us for an inspiring morning filled with ideas, creativity, and practical insights!
Saturday, 4th of April
10:00-12:00
Live on YouTube

Classical Music Today & Storytelling with AI

Join us for Online Seminar #10 on Tuesday, March 24 at 13:00 (Oslo / CET) – an unusual time for our series, but with a particularly exciting lineup of guests exploring how art evolves in today’s world.

Daniel Lyngstad (Norway)

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Eugene (Jinwon Lee) (South Korea/UK)

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 Join us for an inspiring morning filled with ideas, creativity, and practical insights!
Tuesday, 24 of March
13:00-15:00
Live on YouTube

Building sustainable cultural collaboration in the region

In January 2026, NordSync Forum – Østfold took place in Fredrikstad and Sarpsborg, bringing together representatives from local youth ensembles, amateur music organisations, professional performers, educators and international guests from across the Nordic region.

The forum served as an important meeting point for strengthening collaboration between different levels of the cultural field. A central focus was how voluntary organisations and professional artists can work together to develop new artistic formats, reach wider audiences, and build stronger, more sustainable cultural environments. 

A meeting place for the Nordic cultural field

Participants from Norway, Sweden and Finland gathered to share experiences, develop ideas, and initiate new collaborations. The presence of international artists and organisers contributed to a broader perspective and reinforced NordSync’s role as a cross-border platform for cultural exchange and development.

Through lectures, discussions and networking sessions, participants explored how interdisciplinary approaches—combining music with visual arts, film and other expressions—can open new artistic and organisational possibilities. 

NordSync Lab – from idea to production

A core element of the forum was NordSync Lab, a workshop format where artistic ideas are developed into concrete productions. During the forum, the lab focused on finalising the interdisciplinary concert production Den manglende satsen.

This work, based on Gustav Mahler’s unfinished piano quartet and completed with a newly commissioned third movement, became a tangible result of the collaborative process. Following the forum, the production was presented in three concerts in Sarpsborg, Moss and Fredrikstad, demonstrating how artistic development, collaboration and performance can be integrated into one coherent model. 

Strengthening the local ecosystem

In parallel with the professional seminar, a youth orchestra seminar was organised in Sarpsborg, engaging young musicians from across Østfold. The seminar combined ensemble playing, masterclasses and social activities, led by professional musicians participating in the forum.

This created a direct connection between professional artists and local youth, strengthening recruitment, competence-building and motivation among young musicians. 

The initiative also reinforced collaboration between key actors in the region—culture schools, orchestra associations, professional musicians and organisers—creating a shared arena for learning and exchange.

Concrete results and future development

NordSync Forum – Østfold resulted in more than dialogue. During the forum, participants developed concrete plans for the 2026–2027 season, including new collaborative projects and interdisciplinary productions.

These initiatives build on the NordSync model:
a cluster-based approach where professional performers, educators, cultural institutions and voluntary organisations collaborate across levels and disciplines.

The goal is to create larger, multi-layered cultural events that engage different target groups—youth, amateurs, professionals and educational environments—within a unified framework.

Towards lasting structures

The long-term ambition of NordSync Forum – Østfold is to establish lasting structures for cultural cooperation in the region. By strengthening horizontal connections between actors and encouraging continuous collaboration, the project contributes to a richer, more dynamic cultural environment in Østfold.

Equally important was the social dimension of the forum. Creating space for artists, educators and organisers to meet, exchange ideas and work together in an informal setting proved essential. These encounters—across disciplines, generations and professional levels—lay the foundation for trust, future collaboration and a stronger sense of shared cultural identity in the region.

The international aspect was also central. With participants from across the Nordic countries—particularly Sweden and Finland—the forum reinforced NordSync’s core vision of cross-border collaboration. Bringing together perspectives and experiences from different cultural contexts is key to our work.

As we often say: bringing the Nordics together—one note at a time.

NordSync Forum demonstrates that when different parts of the cultural ecosystem connect—locally and internationally—the result is not only stronger productions, but a more resilient and interconnected cultural field.

A tribute to Radka Toneff

In the period 28 February–2 March 2026, NordSync Project brings Lost in the Stars – en hyllest til Radka Toneff to Østfold. The concerts are presented in collaboration with our partner and local arranger Østfold Musikkforening.

The Music

Lost in the Stars offers a new artistic perspective on the legacy of Radka Toneff, one of Norway’s most distinctive and influential vocal artists. Her most iconic songs are presented in newly written arrangements by composer Bodvar Moe, reimagined for soprano and string quartet.

The production creates a refined chamber music setting where jazz expression meets the transparency and depth of the classical string quartet tradition. The arrangements preserve the intimacy and vulnerability of Toneff’s voice while expanding the music into a rich and nuanced sonic landscape.

The Performers

The soloist for the project is soprano Darya Katyba, whose lyrical sensitivity and expressive clarity bring new dimensions to Toneff’s poetic universe.

The instrumental foundation is provided by Østfold Strykekvartett, one of the region’s most active chamber ensembles:

• Stepan Frolov, violin – Master’s degree from the Norwegian Academy of Music; participant in ECMA (European Chamber Music Academy); active chamber musician in Norway and Sweden.
• Maria Dahl, violin – educated in Arkhangelsk, Tromsø and Oslo; member of Østfold Symphony Orchestra and active pedagogue in Sarpsborg.
• Liv Frengstad, cello – Diploma from the Norwegian Academy of Music; extensive touring experience and active soloist and chamber musician in Østfold.
• Helle Tennøe Andersen, viola – educated at the Grieg Academy in Bergen; freelance violist and principal viola of Østfold Symphony Orchestra.

Together, the quartet combines strong regional roots with broad artistic experience.

Upcoming Concerts in Østfold

The tour will include concerts in Sarpsborg and Rakkestad. Detailed information about venues and times is available via our event pages and partners.

Konsertsteder og datoer:

• Sarpsborg – 28. februar 2026, 18:00, Methodist Kirke
• Rakkestad – 2. mars 2026, 18:00, Rakkestad Kulturskole

We warmly invite audiences in Østfold to experience this unique reinterpretation of Radka Toneff’s music – an intimate and powerful meeting between jazz heritage and contemporary chamber music.

UMEÅ | 24–26 April 2026

We are happy to invite performing artists, producers and cultural professionals to NordSync Forum IV – a Nordic meeting point for interdisciplinary concert production, collaboration and artistic development.

Over three days in Umeå we will gather artists from across the Nordics for:
• inspiring presentations & artistic talks
• workshops and creative labs
• networking and project matchmaking
• concerts and showcase formats

✨ Where creativity and community come together.

More Info coming soon.

#NordSync #NordSyncForum #Umeå #NordicCulture #PerformingArts #InterdisciplinaryArt #CreativeNetwork

Welcome to NordSync Online Seminar #9!

We are happy to invite you to our next NordSync Online Seminar, taking place on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
This session brings together artists working across disciplines, exploring how artistic integrity can be preserved and strengthened in today’s complex cultural and commercial landscape.

Ellen Margrethe Røhr-Staff (Norway)

Her artistic practice often exists at the intersection of art and activism, with a strong focus on human rights and mental health. Ellen currently collaborates with Direct Action Theater and T.I.T.S., and has long been committed to bringing dance closer to the public.
Since 2015, she has also worked extensively with young dancers and runs the regional youth company Østfold Dansekompani for Ungdom.

Topic: Artistic Talk: Art, Activism & Authenticity

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Sophia Hugo Cabo (Norway)

Sophia is a freelance cellist and co-founder of Scandi Strings, a Scandinavian string quartet consisting of classically trained musicians from Norway and Sweden.
Alongside orchestral work and her own concert series FRAM, Sophia is actively engaged in developing new concert formats. With Scandi Strings, she works across genres – from classical concerts to pop productions and events – integrating electronics, visuals, and tailored visual identities into each performance.

Her talk will focus on maintaining artistic authenticity in a commercialized entertainment world, and on how classical music can meaningfully exist and evolve within contemporary, visually driven contexts.

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 Join us for an inspiring morning filled with ideas, creativity, and practical insights!
Saturday, 31 of January
10:00–12:00
Live on YouTube

Fredrikstad & Sarpsborg | 24–25 January 2026

The Youth Orchestra Seminar is an important part of the NordSync model, which connects professional artistic production with education, voluntary cultural life, and future talent development.

During NordSync Forum – Østfold, a free orchestra seminar for children and youth takes place in Sarpsborg and Fredrikstad. Young musicians work side by side with professional artists from Norway, Sweden, and Finland through orchestral playing, ensemble work, and individual masterclasses.

The seminar combines classical repertoire and popular music in arrangements adapted to beginner and intermediate levels, and places strong emphasis on collaboration, inclusion, and a supportive social framework. It concludes with a public concert where young participants perform together with professional musicians.

By integrating education directly into professional productions, the seminar demonstrates how the NordSync model strengthens learning, artistic quality, and long-term cultural development.