High North Tour 2021: “Perhaps I am Kind of A Musical GP in Røst”
Røst: In Røst, you can “hire musical services” at the local town hall. Mikael Rönnberg, Norway’s and perhaps the world’s only island musician, is at the disposal of associations, clubs as well as private persons in one of Norway’s smallest municipalities.
“In many ways, I am perhaps a kind of musical general practician on the island”, explains Mikael – Micke amongst friends – Rönnberg.
“We often say that this is the world’s only island musician, and we are quite proud of that. There is a great need for maintaining cultural services for those who live out here.”
Røst. (Foto: Arne O. Holm)
The pandemic has – despite its not finding its way out to the small island way out in the ocean 100 kilometers west of Bodø, Norway – also put a wet blanket on cultural life in Røst.
When High North News meets Mikael Rönnberg it is thus a very happy musician who is finally back on stage again. This time, there are two consecutive concerts on his agenda, one at the local health center, the other at Querini Pub. They are the first two since 11 December.
Culture is on, year-round
“Røst is a community in which activity levels vary with the seasons, with fisheries in winter and tourism in summer. When this position was created, there was a desire for a cultural activity that would run year-round.”
The island musician’s tasks are very varied. Rönnberg cooperates with the church, the school, with the local choir as well as individual musicians. He teaches and organizes concerts in cooperation with local pubs and restaurants.
Join us for a concert with John Kristian Karlsen and Mikael Rönnberg in Røst’s beautiful nature!
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This article was originally published in Norwegian and has been translated by HNN's Elisabeth Bergquist.