Generously sponsored by the Friends of CSI

Friends of CSI enjoy priority booking two weeks before general tickets go on sale, as well as complimentary pre-concert Wine Notes receptions. Become a Friend today.

Journey through the rugged beauty and quiet mystery of the Nordic landscape in this effervescent program. Songs in Norwegian and Swedish capture the region’s stark natural contrasts, folk traditions, and introspective lyricism—hallmarks of the uniquely Nordic aesthetic. From icy fjords to sunlit midsummer nights, these songs echo a culture shaped by nature and nuance.
Curated by Alisa Jordheim, Fulbright Scholar and Fellow of the American Scandinavian Foundation
Bo Linde Två Sånger
Tor Aulin Fyra Serbiska Folksånger (Four Serbian Folk Songs)
Jean Sibelius Norden // Var det en dröm? // Säv, säv, susa // Flickan kom ifrån sin elsklings möte
Edvard Grieg Ku-Lok //Haugtussa, Op. 67
Program subject to change without notice.
Enjoy curated wine pairings at a pre-concert reception by our friends at Hart & Cru. Complimentary access for the Friends of CSI, or available as a ticket add-on when booking.
Sparkling
Peter Lauer Riesling Sekt 2021 – Saar, Mosel, Germany
The Saar Valley lies in far western Germany, near the border with Luxembourg. Its steep, slate-covered slopes face the cold winds that roll through the river valley, creating one of Europe’s coolest winegrowing climates. This is Riesling country at its most refined, where acid and mineral tension define the style. Florian Lauer, now the fifth generation at the estate, farms organically and works almost entirely by hand. His Riesling Sekt is made using the traditional method, aged on the lees for complexity, yet remains taut and linear. It captures the clean light and quiet precision of northern Europe — wines that seem carved by air and stone, like the landscape itself.

White
Albert Mann Gewurztraminer 2022 – Alsace, France
Alsace sits between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River, where centuries of French and German influence have shaped both the people and the wines. The region’s semi-continental climate brings cold winters and long, luminous autumns that allow slow ripening and aromatic intensity. At Domaine Albert Mann, the Barthelmé family farms biodynamically across small parcels that date back to the Middle Ages. Their Gewurztraminer grows in limestone-rich soils that lend finesse and definition to a grape often known for exuberance. The result is a wine that speaks to Alsace’s dual nature — expressive yet disciplined, rooted in centuries of cultural exchange along Europe’s northern frontier. It fits Norden for its blend of brightness, structure, and quiet emotional depth.

Red
Château Falfas Côtes de Bourg 2019 – Bordeaux, France
Côtes de Bourg lies on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, along the Gironde estuary where the river meets the Atlantic. The area has been settled since Roman times and has long served as a maritime crossroads. The estuary moderates the climate, giving cooler nights and slower ripening that produce wines with freshness and poise. Château Falfas has been farmed biodynamically since 1988 under Véronique Cochran, one of the early pioneers of organic viticulture in Bordeaux. The blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc is aged in oak from the estate’s own forests. It reflects the rhythm of a coastal life — patient, steady, and in tune with nature. The wine’s grounded, introspective tone connects easily to Norden’s musical landscape of depth and restraint.
We look forward to welcoming you as an audience member at our live broadcasts. Below are a few helpful tips to ensure a great experience:
- Audience members must be arrived and seated 15 minutes before the advertised start of the concert. Latecomers may be seated at the discretion of CSI and Cincinnati Public Radio staff.
- Get ready to enjoy a unique experience as we’re guided by an on-stage host who provides interesting insights before each group of songs.
- Yes, you can clap! Even though the concert will be live on the radio, our on-air host will explain that the broadcast includes you - a live studio audience - and that we’ll be applauding to celebrate the wonderful artists and their performances like at any concert.
- Please note that audio and video recording will take place during the concert.
- As a courtesy to performers and fellow audience members, please turn off all cell phones before the concert begins.