Norwegian musicians visit schools ahead of Cathedral Christmas events

School pupils across mainland Orkney have been treated to special performances and workshops this week (5 – 8 December) with Norwegian musicians who are in the county ahead of the annual Christmas tree lighting festivities at St Magnus Cathedral.

Musicians from Hordaland in Norway have toured Orkney schools for several years as part of the twinning relationship between the counties.

Douglas Montgomery, one of Orkney Islands Council’s Instrumental Instructors, accompanied the musicians - Maria Toppe and Alexander Aga Røynstrand - to some of the schools this week to support the events. He said: “The Norwegian musicians who visit our schools inspire Orkney’s young musicians to play and discover music closely connected with our heritage.”

Lesley Burgher, Norwegian Consul for Orkney, said: “We’re very grateful for these visits which have been generously supported by Hordaland Council for many years. They have given hundreds of Orkney schoolchildren an introduction to Norwegian music and are a great way to strengthen and reinforce our mutual cultural links.”

This year’s St Magnus Cathedral Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on Saturday 9 December. It includes the annual St Lucy Procession, as well as a performance by Kirkwall City Pipe Band. The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend. The doors to the cathedral will open at 16:45.

The Kirkwall City Pipe Band and Orkney Pilgrimage Group will parade from St Olaf’s Wynd to the St Magnus Cathedral on Broad Street at 17:15 with the tree lighting taking place following the procession of St Lucy and the service in the cathedral.

The following morning (Sunday 10 December), the Grimstad tree lighting will take place in St Magnus Cathedral at 11:15am. That evening at 20:00 there will be a free concert in St Magnus Cathedral, with music by the Mayfield Singers, members of Hadhirgaan from KGS, and the visiting Norwegian musicians.