Hillside Echoes presents Väsen

Performing as a duo, Olov Johansson and Mikael Marin, Väsen, brings Swedish folk music to the Hillside Club.

In 1989, Väsen was founded by Mikael Marin, Olov Johansson and guitarist Roger Tallroth. The trio quickly established themselves as one of the leading acts in Swedish acoustic music, crafting a distinctive sound that balances traditional melodies with innovative arrangements and a contemporary edge. Over the course of their career, Väsen has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, toured extensively across Europe, North America, and Asia, and built a dedicated international following.

Mikael Marin

Mikael Marin born 1965 in Stockholm, Sweden, is an acclaimed Swedish musician and composer, best known as the violist in the world-renowned Swedish band Väsen. Over the years, Marin has earned wide recognition for his virtuosic playing, inventive arrangements, and his ability to blend traditional folk roots with modern sensibilities. Marin’s viola playing is at the heart of Väsen’s music, contributing richly textured harmonies and dynamic energy to their intricate tunes.

Mikael Marin began playing music when he was 9 years old, initially gravitating toward the violin. Later, his passion for exploring deeper and more resonant tones led him to the viola, bass viola and violoncello da spalla which would become his signature instruments. He was heavily inspired by Sweden’s rich traditional music heritage. Through old fiddlers from the region of Uppland he learn the style of traditional playing that he still practice. Besides that Mikael also educated him self as a classic violist at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and gained a master in music (1982-1989). 

This eclectic mix of styles gave him a unique voice as a musician, and he quickly found his place in the Swedish music scene. In addition to his work with Väsen, Mikael Marin has collaborated with various other artists and ensembles, further showcasing his versatility and creativity. A skilled arranger, he is known for reimagining traditional tunes and composing original pieces that reflect his innovative spirit. Marin’s work often blurs the line between folk and other musical genres, creating a timeless and genre-defying sound.

In 1994 Mikael started to teach at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. Since then he has been educated generations of musicians. Mikael is a highly valued teacher and mentor.

Olov Johansson

Many regard Olov Johansson as Sweden's greatest craftsman on the nyckelharpa. With his brilliant solo playing and as a member of the group Väsen, he has been largely responsible for the explosion of nyckelharpa playing that has been witnessed recently in Sweden. Olov grew up in Tärnsjö in northern Uppland and began to play the nyckelharpa at age 14. About a year later he began to study with Curt Tallroth, a well-known bearer of the tradition from Harbo. Through Curt, Olov has learned tunes that have been played in northern Uppland for centuries, passed on from musician to musician. Olov has also played with Eric Sahlström, the most prominent nyckelharpa player of the 20th century.

Since 1989, Olov has worked exclusively as a musician and composer, principally with Väsen, Scottish harpist Catriona McKay, Maskin, Organist/pianist Anders Bromander and Percussionist/Drummer André Ferrari. He has also collaborated with: the Kronos Quartet, Snarky Puppy, Mike Marshall and Darol Anger, Dervish and many more.

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