Väsen

Three of our favorite Swedes return to Bloomington! Olov Johansson, Mikael Marin, and Roger Tallroth first performed on a Lotus stage 20 years ago, and every time they come to town, they earn more fans. (You may have heard them on “A Prairie Home Companion,” too.) Their exquisite string music, performed with virtuosic flair and wry humor, is by turns winsome, bittersweet, and exhilarating. The Väsen sound is anchored by Olov’s nyckelharpa (the remarkable keyed fiddle native to Swedish traditional music), while Mikael’s brilliant play on the viola and Roger’s rhythmic drive on the 12-string guitar add depth and melodic counterpoints. There’s a playfulness to their music, a delight in shaping centuries-old tunes into exciting new arrangements. And you always hear the inspiration and improvisation of the moment. To experience Väsen is to witness ensemble playing at its finest.