Norwegian Band Visits Sister City

Not long after Hostfest began, Minot established a sister-city relationship with Skien in Telemar...  More »

Not long after Hostfest began, Minot established a sister-city relationship with Skien in Telemark, Norway. And this year, about one hundred residents of Skien are in Minot for the 30th anniversary of Hostfest. About 50 of the visitors are members of the Suoni Soo_Knee Wind Orchestra, which performed this morning at Bishop Ryan High School. The band's director says the group was formed in 1895 and consists of volunteer members from all walks of life - from students to retirees. The group has played in many locations around the world, but it's the band's first trip to Hostfest. (Oyvind Strand, Conductor) Here in the Midwest we have met so many Norwegian descendants and they're very nice and very impulsive, coming up and they want to talk Norwegian. The band is joined on this trip by a pair of brothers - ages 16 and 19 - who normally sing opera. (Emil Solli-Tangen, Singer)I started singing one year ago, then I started singing opera straight away and it's kind of a non-youth hobby. An unusual hobby. (Didrik Solli-Tangen, Singer) (Is it different to sing with a big band?) Yes it is because usually I sing opera so singing with a band and a microphone is, not new, but it's exciting and very very fun. You can see the Suoni Wind Orchestra in a free concert tonight at 7:30 at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall at MSU. They will perform again at Hostfest at Noon on Wednesday in the Great Hall of the Vikings.  « Less