The large hall at Brunstad is empty, but on the stage there are around 20 musicians talking or
improvising melodies on their instruments. Rehearsals for this year’s Christmas concert are underway.
Suddenly a voice announces over the loudspeakers: “Starting click track in 3, 2, 1!”
Not everyone makes it back to their instruments in time, and the click track – the count the musicians hear in their ears – is interrupted.
There’s a buzz from the loudspeaker: Shhh! Shhh! Shhh” Gjermund Frivold, (43) from BCC Music is the man behind the voice speaking into the microphone. His broad smile is in stark contrast to the direct commands he gives through the microphone.
Gjermund discovers that the bass is still uncrewed.
“Is the bassist in place?” That was a rhetorical question!
The bassist’s hasty return is commented over the speakers. Laughter can be heard – the mood is clearly uplifted, and even though the schedule is tight, there is still room for some jokes. The click track starts again and the musicians begin to play.
Five different views on the Christmas concert
“You have been involved in planning the concert. What does the audience have to look forward to?”
“The theme is closeness. Instead of pomp and circumstance, we want to create a cozy ‘living room experience’ with a Christmassy atmosphere. The spectators can look forward to many good, up close moments and a novel and personal experience.”
Carolin Schneider (38), BCC Music
“Are there other elements besides music?”
“Kåre Smith will hold a speech, and the host, Rune Stadven, will provide information about the songs and the work behind the scenes.”
“What’s new this year?”
“We are working on – if possible – improving the quality to an even greater extent, creating a much closer experience of the performance. Soloists and musicians will sit closer to the audience throughout the concert. This bodes very well, so far”
Rune (54), general manager in BCC Music and host
“Do you have a favorite song?”
“It would be difficult for me to pick out a favorite song, as they all have their own uniqueness and fit into the structure of the concert and the build-up of the whole evening.”
“Ståle, you’re singing “Lo, how a rose e’er blooming” from the 17th century. What do you think of it?”
“This carol is incredibly beautiful and one of my favorites. It’s a bit old-fashioned in terms of language, but with a very good message about Jesus blooming like a rose in the middle of a cold winter night.”
“What does it mean to you to sing for the Christmas season?”
“I’m a real Christmas boy! I love Christmas and all the special moments it creates for the children and families. At the same time, it is a good time to remember Jesus who came and to be our savior and redemption. It’s interesting to think that when the angels wanted to express themselves about the coming of Jesus, the best way to do so was through praise and song.”
“How have you prepared?”
“I have practiced at home with an audio file I received from the organizer. I try to find artistic elements that elevate the song and make it my own, and hopefully a good experience for the audience.”
“Michelle, how was the rehearsal weekend?”
“It went really well! Every time you sing, you become more confident. It was valuable to be able to sing here in the large hall at Brunstad – you can practice at home, but here you can hear what works.”
“How did you experience working together?”
“It’s great that the music and soloists work closely together. It means you can make the songs more personal. I sing ‘The first Christmas present’ and got to give my own input, which makes the song personal.
“Bernd, which item are you most looking forward to?”
“My favorite is the children’s song; three children sing beautifully and have a heart-warming choreography. It lifts the calm atmosphere and gives the audience something to smile about.”
“What instruments will you be playing at the Christmas concert?”
“I’m playing the piano, the trombone, and this year we also have a pump organ to get an authentic sound for the song by Ståle. You have to pump with both your feet as you play, which is why the instrument is called the ‘pump organ.’ It also fits in well visually with the Christmas atmosphere.”
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