Welcome to Opera Café at Rosendal Kafé – an informal evening brimming with powerful voices and strong emotions!

We'll serve up a varied program, featuring everything from beloved classics to hidden gems from the world of opera and musicals.

Whether you're a seasoned opera-goer or a curious newcomer, this evening is for you.

The atmosphere is relaxed, the venue is intimate, and the experiences are plentiful – all in good company and with something delightful in your glass.

For several years, we have worked to create a musical and textual expression of the story of Maren Johanne Olsdatter Jektvik – the woman who was sentenced to death for poisoning her husband in 1850 on Hitra. She is mysterious. Did she do it, or not? Was she guilty of murder, or was there simply no room for someone like her in the local community? This summer, Marenspelet had its revival on Hitra, and the play will return in 2027. By then, we hope to dig even deeper under Maren’s skin, exploring who she was – or could have been. By allowing new performers – and new voices with a queer perspective – to convey this material, we believe new sides of Maren and her story will come to light.

The project is led by the company Holmen/Hjertaas, consisting of Kari Wist Holmen (she/her) and Gunhild Hjertaas (she/her).
Kari is an actor, playwright, director, and producer, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Drama and Theatre at NTNU. This project is not connected to her thesis. Gunhild is an actor, director, and composer with a Master’s degree in Composition from NTNU. The two have worked together since meeting at folk high school in 2005 and formalized their collaboration with the founding of Holmen/Hjertaas AS in 2017. Since completing their acting studies in 2011, they have worked in institutional theatres, the independent performing arts field, and with amateur theatre. Their collaborations are multifaceted, but often characterized by social relevance, humor, and musicality.

Angelle Khachik (they/them) is a lyric soprano with a Bachelor’s degree from Barratt Due Institute of Music and a Master’s degree in Opera from the Oslo National Academy of the Arts. They are a performance artist using opera as a format and co-founder of the opera company Skeive Stemmer. Khachik collaborates with visual artists, curators, and participates in interdisciplinary projects in addition to classical and operatic works.

Tora Øye Hedges (she/her) studied at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA, and later at NTNU. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Music and Ensemble Conducting at Nord University. Since 2019, she has worked at Hitra Cultural School as a singing teacher, municipal musician, and choir conductor.

Musicians:

• Maciej Karpinski – pianist (he/him). Born in Elblag, Poland, Maciej studied performance and pedagogy at the Music Academy in Gdansk. A professional musician, arranger, and composer, he has lived in Norway since 1981 (Trondheim) and now resides on Frøya. He works mainly as a freelancer in Trøndelag.

• Signe Weider Skjesol – violinist (she/her). With a background in both classical and folk music, she grew up in Hamar and now lives in Trondheim, where she is studying for a performance bachelor’s degree under Professor Cam Kjøll. Alongside her studies, she freelances regularly with both Trondheim Soloists and Trondheim Symphony Orchestra.

• Karoline Brevik – cellist (she/her), born 1990. A freelance musician from Trondheim, Karoline studied performance for six years at the Royal College of Music in London. Classically trained, she works across a wide range of genres. She has performed with Trondheim Soloists, in projects with artists such as Aurora, and as a theatre musician at Trøndelag Teater and Hjorten Nye Teater, among others.

The concert series is supported by Trondheim Municipality, Bergesenstiftelsen, and SpareBank1 SMN community funds.

We offer reduced ticket prices for students, seniors, and Opera Friends. Elevator access is available, and companion passes are accepted – please notify us in advance. Contact us if you require assistance or if you wish to join the Opera Friends Association at: operavennforening@gmail.com

The Opera Café at Rosendal was launched in 2020 during the pandemic, in collaboration with Rosendal Theatre, Skeive Stemmer Opera Company, and the Opera Friends Association. The association aims to support activities at the Opera Café at Rosendal in collaboration with Skeive Stemmer Opera Company – a musical meeting place highlighting marginalized, innovative, and fearless opera artists, as well as emerging talents at the beginning of their careers. We create opportunities and encourage dialogue, knowledge, and interest in the art form in Trondheim and the surrounding area.