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Now the Parsonages Become Song and Music!

Geirr Lystrup wrote, commissioned by OVF in connection with the foundation’s 200th anniversary last year, a series of songs based on the history of the parsonages. Geirr himself grew up at the parsonage in Vinje, where his father Sigmund Lystrup was a pastor in the 1950s. Now there will be an album, released by Kirkelig Kulturverksted in collaboration with OVF
Published 21.06.2022
Geirr Lystrup during the recording at Kulturkirken Jakob
Erik Hillestad
Producer Erik Hillestad


Erik Hillestad is the producer of the recording, which will be released both on CD and on relevant streaming services this autumn. “The parsonages were entire communities, and all aspects of life in many ways became important parts of this history,” says Hillestad. Geirr Lystrup has managed, in a unique way, to capture the different aspects of life at the parsonages and their significance. Bringing this together on an album will be a very important part of the story of the farms’ historical significance, says Hillestad.

Outstanding musicians

A number of outstanding musicians bring the songs to life.

Kjetil Bjerkestrand is the bandleader. Kjetil has extensive experience as a musician, composer, and arranger. He has performed and worked as an arranger with a number of prominent artists, including, among many others, A-ha, Ray Charles, DumDum Boys, Arve Tellefsen, Bjørn Eidsvåg, and Sissel Kyrkjebø.
Gjermund Silset on bass
Pål Hausken on drums
Espen Leite on harmonium

Release concert this autumn

The album will be recorded this summer and released this autumn. More information to come!