Conference Agenda

This concert, presented by the Nordstär Ensemble, highlights the musical traditions of Somali, Swedish, and Norwegian communities in Minneapolis. Based locally, the ensemble has performed at venues such as the American Swedish Institute, Norway House, and the Somali Museum, bringing cultural expressions to a wide audience. Hear the distinctive sounds of the nyckelharpa, a Swedish keyed fiddle, alongside the hardingfele, a Norwegian fiddle known for its resonant sympathetic strings. Somali percussion will also feature prominently, blending these diverse traditions into a unique and vibrant musical experience.

Musicians Carrie Danielson, Renee Vaughan, Harbi Mohamed Kahiye,  Sarah Pradt, Paul Sauey, Rehanna Kheshgi, Alaba Illesanmi, and Laura McKenzie each brings their own intimate knowledge of their heritage, resulting in a performance that is both rich in cultural meaning and artistically compelling. This concert offers a rare and dynamic fusion of Northern European and East African musical forms, showcasing the cultural richness of Minneapolis’ immigrant communities, past and present.