Minneapolis-based string duo The OK Factor and award-winning Swedish quintet Jaerv will perform together as part of the Siril Concert Series at Northern Michigan University. They will present their program Traditions at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m., in Reynolds Recital Hall.
Cellist Olivia Diercks and violinist Karla Colahan comprise the new-classical crossover duo The OK Factor. Their original compositions and arrangements are described as "genre-bending" and “pure magic.” Outside of their performances, they conduct outreach activities and lead workshops for students through their education initiative, ATLAS. Diercks and Colahan are also sought-after collaborators and composers in residence, having worked with many regional, national and international artists and various digital music libraries.
Jaerv is a five-member folk music band with jazz and pop influences, and they root their sound in different musical traditions, vocal tunes, dances and free improvisations. The internationally renowned ensemble has toured the U.S., Japan, Spain, Scotland, Ireland, Finland, Norway and more. They have received various rewards and recognitions from cultural foundations such as the Royal Academy of Music, The Swedish Arts Council and The American-Swedish Foundation.
The groups will offer a free music appreciation presentation/lecture at 11 a.m. and a masterclass at 1 p.m. in Reynolds Recital Hall the same day.
General admission for the concert is $12, with NMU students and those under 18 able to enter for free. Tickets can be purchased here.
The concert series at NMU is made possible by the Siril Endowment for the Musical Arts and the Beaumier Upper Peninsula Heritage Center.