Bull in Gloucestershire

‘A Load of Ole Bull -Concert, Talk and Film’ comprises a recital by Callum Smart, a talk on Ole Bull by his biographer Harald Herresthal and a screening of Aslak Aarhus’s compelling 2006 documentary, which tells the story of Bull’s extraordinary life with musical contributions by violinist Henning Kraggerud.

Ole Bull was born in Bergen 200 years ago. His father, Johan Storm Bull, wanted him to become a minister, but he preferred a musical career, and at the age of five he could play all of the songs he had heard his mother play on the violin. At the age of nine, he played first violin in the Bergen Theatre Orchestra and was a soloist with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. Bull made a fortune as an international violinist and composer in the mid-1800s, but unfortunately lost it all in a doomed attempt to establish a Norwegian colony in Pennsylvania.

14-year old violinist performs Bull´s compositions
At the event on 5 July, 14-year-old violinist Callum Smart will perform some of Bull’s remarkable compositions. Smart is the Junior prize winner of the Menuhin Competition Oslo 2010 and Finalist of the BBC Young Musician 2010, and has been a guest soloist with the Charnwood Orchestra, The Liverpool Mozart Orchestra and the Warwickshire Symphony Orchestra.

Norwegian writer Harald Herresthal has published many books and articles on Norwegian music. In May 2010 he published the fourth and last volume of his biography of Ole Bull. The biography presents a comprehensive account of the life of one of Norway’s most colourful characters.

For more information, press this link.

Recital Repertoire
• E. GRIEG Sonata in G major op.13
• Ole BULL Cantabile dolorosa and Rondo giocoso
• Ole BULL A Shepherd Girl's Sunday
• RAVEL Tzigane
  46-48 minutes

A Load of Ole Bull - Concert, Talk and Film
5 July, 3 PM
Pittville Pump Room
East Approach Drive
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire GL52 3JE
Tickets: £12