We are Duo Scandinavica: Lori Ann Reinhall, from Seattle, Washington, and Jim Nelson, from Drammen, Norway. Scandinavian music, from both the old world and the new, is our passion.

Both of us have our roots in the Scandinavian immigration. From our early years on, we have been in close contact with the Scandinavian American community, and we have played and sung its traditional music since we were children. We speak fluent Norwegian and Swedish and understand both Scandinavian and Scandinavian American culture from the inside out.

Our goal is to preserve and project a pivotal selection from the Scandinavian musical treasure chest to new audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. We see this endeavor as an important link in the understanding of an emigration movement and its descendants, in particular, for both Scandinavia and America, as well as in the promotion of a better understanding of our shared cultural identity.

We do this through a presentation traditional vocal and instrumental music from the major period of emigration, Scandinavian American music and more recent Scandinavian music of appeal to the “home-comers” from 1920 on. Moreover, we perform contemporary Norwegian and Swedish music to acquaint American audiences with a newer musical tradition.

Duo Scandinavica promotes a cultural heritage transcending borders. With interplay between old and new, we offer a program that is versatile, enriching and entertaining.  We look forward to sharing this vast musical treasury with you.