Göteborgs Konserthus Traditions – Swedish-American folk music in the making

Event has already taken place

Information from JAERV & The OK Factor:

The acclaimed string duo The OK Factor from Minnesota and the award-winning Swedish quintet Jaerv are embarking on their seventh joint tour to present their program, Traditions. The OK Factor and Jaerv first crossed paths in 2017 at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis — a meeting between two musical traditions that has since deepened and matured. Driven by a mutual love and respect for each other’s talent, rhythmic curiosity, melodic finesse, and rich traditions, their connection quickly became something natural and undeniable. Since that first encounter, the groups have toured successfully together in both Sweden and the United States. Through their mutual exchange of Swedish and American folk music, a natural and vibrant “supergroup” has emerged — a collaboration that can be felt, seen, and heard in every note and every movement on stage. In Traditions, they further explore their unique partnership, where creative instrumentation and sensitive musical interplay generate a contagious joy that stays with the audience long after the final note has faded. “Jaerv and the Minneapolis-based duo The OK Factor were nothing short of captivating and enriching. Their collaboration brought forth a vibrant celebration of traditional Swedish folk music, dance, and cultural exchange, leaving a lasting impression on both students and faculty alike. Through their collaborative efforts, they fostered a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Swedish culture, sparking curiosity and inspiring a newfound love for folk traditions.” — John Taylor, Bishop Hill Creative Commons

The OK Factor

The OK Factor is a new-classical crossover duo featuring cellist Olivia Diercks and violinist Karla Colahan. They create folk-inspired music infused with influences from a wide range of genres and styles. With roots in classical training, they offer a craft that beautifully blends tradition with innovation. Playful and full of unexpected twists, they challenge and expand the audience’s expectations of what a cello and violin duo can achieve. Through their performances and outreach work, The OK Factor has built a strong reputation both in the United States and internationally.

Jaerv

Jaerv is an award-winning quintet that performs energetic, heartfelt folk music enriched with influences from pop and jazz. With a genuine sense of joy, they craft swirling melodies using both their instruments and their five voices, where a warm, rich vocal harmony gives them a distinctive place within Swedish folk music. Five-voiced love songs meet powerful polskas and free improvisations, delivering a blend of harmony, rhythm, and stage energy that leaves no one unmoved. Jaerv has been in high demand across various settings since their founding nearly 20 years ago. Their tours have taken them to Japan, the U.S., Scotland, Ireland, Norway, and across Sweden. They have collaborated with artists such as Sofia Karlsson, the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, and Vocal Art Ensemble. Jaerv has received numerous awards and grants, including from the Royal Swedish Academy of Music and The American-Swedish Foundation. The group has released four full-length albums and several singles in collaboration with international artists, including the Japanese koto virtuoso Hiroe Morikawa and the crossover duo The OK Factor.

Performers

Olivia Diercks – Cello
Karla Peters – Violin
Joel Hagen – Flute, whistles, soprano saxophone, vocals
Markus Gustavsson – Violin, vocals
Tobias Hedlund – Percussion, vocals, harmonium
Harald Nilsson – Guitars, vocals
Anders Bergsten – Double bass, nyckelharpa, vocals