More Than Nikolina Presented by the Twin Cities Nyckelharpalag

2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$2,339

Project of

East Central Regional Library Legacy Grant SFY 2012 - SFY 2013

Fund Source

Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund

Recipient Type

Libraries

Status

Completed

Start Date

October 2011

End Date

October 2011

Activity Type

Education/Outreach/Engagement

Counties Affected

Chisago

Mille Lacs

Project Overview

Swedish folk music and dance was performed by the Twin Cities Area Nyckelharpalag, one of the largest nyckelharpa groups outside of Sweden. The nyckelharpa has been played in Sweden for hundreds of years possibly as early as the 1300's. The more recent chromatic version has 16 strings 4 of which are played with a short bow in the right hand. The remaining 12 strings are under strings which vibrate sympathetically giving the nyckelharpa its unique big sound. There are 37 keys in 3 rows which are played with the left hand. Each key has a tangent attached to it which touches the string when the key is pushed to change the pitch of the string.

Project Details

A total of 120 children and adults attended the program at both venues on October 29, 2012 – Milaca Community Library (81); Rusheba Town Hall (39).

Project Details: 2012 Fiscal Year

Legal Citation / Subdivision

Laws of Minnesota for 2011 Chapter 6, Article 4, Subdivision 4

2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$2,339

Other Funds Leveraged

$124

Direct expenses

$2,463

Administration costs

$59

Number of full time equivalents funded

0.0257553259309157

Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Attendees were exposed to a unique Swedish musical instrument, the Nyckelharpa. Attendees also were given an opportunity to listen to music performed by the Twin Cities Nyckelharpalag and view and participate in traditional Swedish dancing.

Measurable Outcome(s)

“It was a wonderful way to learn about the culture through music and dance.”
“Very interesting! Music I’ve never heard before. It was wonderful.”
“I just happened to be back in Milaca and am so glad that my sister-in-law said we needed to attend this program. After all – I am Swedish!”
“This was an excellent program. I enjoyed listening to the music; I liked hearing about the history of the instrument.”
“Very informative and entertaining. Just great!! I could listen and watch this for hours!”

Source of Additional Funds

East Central Regional Library, Milaca Area Historical Society, and North Chisago Historical Society. Each historical society paid for refreshments following the activity and helped advertise the program at each venue.