Come to Gjøvik for a weekend of music
Sven Håkon Jørgensen and Phen Hunter during an earlier version of Musikkhelga på Gjøvik. Photo: Viggo Vestel.
Have you ever dreamed of forging your own Jew’s harp? Over the last weekend of May you’ll get your chance.
By Veronika Søum
Translated by Lucy Moffatt
As always, Tingbygningen in Hunn and Mjøs Museum’s Eiktunet will be filled with musical fun, workshops in traditional crafts and curious music-lovers during the Musikkhelga på Gjøvik festival, from 29th-31st May.
You’ll get to meet three of Norway’s most experienced Jew’s harp smiths – Ole Bjørn Skoe, Sven Håkon Jørgensen and Bjarne Rysstad – who’ll teach you to forge your own instrument.
If prefer playing to forging, take a deep dive into the magical world of the Jew’s harp at the workshop run by Jim Erik Hoem Johansen.
There’ll be plenty of other workshops on offer over the weekend too:
Langeleik (various levels)
Norwegian harp with Heidrun Stenvang and Tone Hulbækmo (to be confirmed)
Norwegian bagpipes with Erik Ask‑Upmark
Bone flute making with Ånon Egeland
The weekend kicks off on Friday night with the Stein Villa Memorial Fund award ceremony, followed by an intimate concert in the Tingbygningen with multi-instrumentalist Ånon Egeland.
The programme will be updated continuously over the spring. Check Musikkhelga 2026 på Gjøvik’s Facebook group for all the latest news.
Workshop fee: 1700 kroner including lunch
Registration: lisbeth.eilertsen@mjosmuseet.no