Perkverket

A iribute to the traditional percussion instruments

Percussionist, drummer, and jaw harp player Birger Mistereggen has long dreamed of creating a project that places the drummer at the center. A concert where percussion traditions from around the world explore the universal human connection found in the power of the drum. This dream has become a reality through Perkverket, a composition by Jon Balke for an ensemble of seven of Norway’s leading percussionists and drummers from various traditions, including Balke himself, with every performer contributing creatively.

This performance sets the stage for imaginable—and unimaginable—combinations: from tablas blending with Norwegian drum traditions, to Persian and Sami frame drum practices, melodic instruments, microtonal modulations in resonant drum skins, heavy grooves, explosive tutti sections, and dazzling solo escapades.

Perkverket is a tribute to the instruments that have kept the rhythm of life across countless traditions. Just as rhythm forms the backbone of music, drums have always brought people together—for celebration and trance, for meals and prayer, for battle, resistance, and solidarity. The drums speak their own language, carrying an intrinsic power that remains deeply relevant today.

In an era where AI, chatbots, and cloud storage increasingly dominate human interaction, we need grounding—music that reconnects us with the earth.

Perkverket is produced in collaboration with the Førde Festival, with support from the Norwegian Arts Council, the Fund for Performing Artists, and Creo’s Remuneration Fund.

Performers:

Jon Balke
Sanskriti Shresta
Jakop Janssønn
Nora Sjøgren
Solo Diarra
Kaveh Mahmudiyan
Helge Andreas Norbakken
Birger Mistereggen