events archive

Past events 2009 - 2010

Events - save the dates

The American Scandinavian Society 
invites you to a Closing Reception

Saturday, March 6th, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m., 2010

NORDIC MIXED MEDIA*

Daniel Sandberg (Sweden) - Photography
Matthias van Arkel (Sweden) - Platinum Silicone-Rubber
Torild Stray (Norway) - Oil on Canvas

* This exhibit opened January 28, and our run has
been enthusiastically received. Two of the artists
will be present to talk about their work at the reception.

Regular exhibition hours through Sunday March 7th: 
Monday – Thursday: 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Friday - Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

 

DANIEL SANDBERG - (Sweden) - Photography

Stockholm-based artist Daniel Sandberg’s work explores the relationship and growing imbalance between nature and man. His large-scale photographs, usually taken from a distant perspective always depict landscapes where man’s presence is either a seen or unseen participant. The work is dramatic and aesthetically pleasing and brings to mind Andreas Gursky photographs.

In this, his first exhibition in NYC, Daniel presents several pieces from the nearby Hamptons. They are a part of his ongoing Beach Series; which examines mans relationship to and use of this particular landscape.

Sandberg has previously exhibited in Europe, at Epson Kunst Betrieb, Market Art Fair Stockholm 2009, Galleri Mårtenson & Persson Påarp to name only a few, as well as having been selected for the Liljevalchs-Vårsalong Stockholm 2009. In newspapers and magazines, as he has received increasing exposure, the focus has been on his incisive view of changing landscapes.

 

MATTHIAS VAN ARKEL - (Sweden) - Platinum Silicone-Rubber

Stockholm-born artist, Matthias van Arkel, “paints” colorful three dimensional abstractions using the strongest industrial rubber and pigments. The process is part random abstract expressionist and part tightly controlled minimalist sculpture.

Van Arkel presses pigments into the rubber, twisting, compressing, layering and sculpting, then he cuts and forms this in a metal tray to “bake”.

“Van Arkel’s engagement with his materials yields stratified composites of form, texture and color recalling forms that might be associated with landscapes, tectonic plates, or on another more intimate level, remnants of erotic encounters perhaps.” The critic Stephen Conway, NYC, 2008

Van Arkel is well known and collected in Scandinavia, with over a dozen solo and some fifteen group exhibitions, His next show opens at Gallery Aronowitsch, Stockholm in March.

He will also exhibit giclee prints bringing the three dimensions back to two.


TORILD STRAY - (Norway) - Oil on Canvas

Norwegian-born Torild Stray has been based in New York City since 1990. Her work has been exhibited in the United States and Europe for over a decade. Stray's work is collected internationally and has received critical acclaim.

Since coming to NY, Stray has been the recipient of many awards and scholarships, including the Agnus Gund Scholarship, the New York Times Scholarship, the Charles Revson Fellowship and the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Artist in Residency Program in WTC.

Stray teaches at the NY Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture and the Bryggen Kunstskole in Bergen, Norway. Stray's next one-person show opens at Gallery Langegaarden, Bergen, Norway September 11th, 2010.

Thursday, February 18, 2010, 7:00 p.m.

Annual Winter Concert

Jane Thorngren - Soprano
David Coucheron - Violin
Kalle Toivio - Piano/Organ

View Invitation

 

Friday, December 4, 2009, 7:00 p.m.

American Scandinavian Society’s 2009 Christmas Ball

Please hold Friday, December 4th, 7pm for our spectacular gala event.
A reception followed by dinner, dancing and a Lucia Procession
will be held at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan
Guest of Honor, conductor and composer Esa-Pekka Salonen

Download PDF Invitation Download PDF Response Card

 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2009, 6:30 p.m.

“Eero Saarinen: Form-Giver at Mid-Century”
a presentation by Architect Der Scutt
Fellow of the American Institute of Architects

A collaboration of The American Scandinavian Society and
the Finlandia Foundation New York Metropolitan Chapter

Celebrating the opening of the exhibition at the Museum of
the City of New York: Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future.

Guest of Honor: Susan Saarinen, Daughter of Eero Saarinen

Scandinavia House
58 Park Avenue South (between 37th - 38th Streets)
New York, NY 10016

Reception to follow

Tickets: members $10, non members $15.
Make your reservation by November 9, 2009.
Advance reservations highly recommended.
Mail your check made payable to American Scandinavian Society to:
Leena Scutt
330 East 69th Street
New York, NY 10021-5706

For more information please call Leena Scutt 212-744-0813 or
email information@finlandiafoundationny.org

 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH, 2009 AT 7:00-9:00 P.M.

An evening with The Honorable Hjalmar W. Hannesson,
Icelandic Ambassador to the United States

The Ambassador will give us an insight on how the current global financial
crisis has affected Iceland.

The event will be at the INTERNATIONAL PEACE INSTITUTE,
777 United Nations Plaza, First Avenue and 44th Street. Entrance on 44th Street.

Refreshments will be served.

Since space is limited, make your reservation early.
Make your check payable to American Scandinavian Society and mail to:
Edith N. Warner
256A Old Nassau Road
Monroe Twp., NJ 08831
Tel: 609-395-7110

Donation: Members $10, Non-members $15

A guest list will be at the door. Due to security the deadline is October 27th.

Saturday, September 12, 2009, 11 a.m.

We will be marking Victor Borge's 100th Birthday in Central Park, at the Hans Christian Andersen Statue. Mr. Borge, the Great Dane, was very instrumental in getting the statue completed and paid for back in 1955! We are attempting to make this a special and newsworthy event, and we would like you and your friends to come and create a real celebration to honor Victor Borge's memory.
Participating in this event will be Victor Borge's daughter, Rikke, storytellers Diane Wolkstein and Rolf Stang, the chair of the Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Center, Lennart Rambusch, and representatives from the New York City government.

Saturday, September 19, 2009, 11 a.m.

Also in Central Park, at the H. C. Andersen Statue, we observe the Ugly Duckling's Birthday, his 172nd, if we are not mistaken. We invite you to bring children, lots of children to that balloon-strewn party. You will remember that for years, this "Ugly Duckling's Birthday Party" has been an A.S.S. sponsored event.

ASS INVITES YOU TO SHARE IN THE OPPORTUNITY OF ENJOYING A UNIQUE OPERA EVENING

Lively conversation and musical performance will be the focus of an evening highlighting Scandinavian Opera Life. There is quite a story to be told! Four great working professionals will participate. They will interact on the themes of singing and singers, productions, repertoire and a lot more…

Our Distinguished Presenters:
STEPHEN A. BROWN, COMPANY MANAGER, THE METROPOLITAN OPERA
JOHAN MOLANDER, DIRECTOR, FROM THE ROYAL OPERA STOCKHOLM
MADELEINE KRISTOFFERSSON, SOPRANO, OPERA &CONCERT SOLOIST
MAGNUS MÅRTENSSON, PIANIST/CONDUCTOR

Have you ever wondered who the persons are –behind the scenes as well as on the stage– who bring us great opera performances?

Wednesday, April 29, 2009
7 p.m.
Admission: $20.00
Bechstein Piano Centre
207 West 58th Street
[Between 7th Ave. & Broadway]
Please note that space is limited.
This Event is for Members Only

Please respond by Monday, April 27, with your check payable to the
American Scandinavian Society. Send to: Harriet Nilsen, 85 East End Avenue #2L, New York, NY 10028. Inq’s: 212 861-9122. Guest List at the Door


AMERICAN SCANDINAVIAN SOCIETY ANNUAL WINTER CONCERT
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8TH, 2009, 7 PM

Last year's Winter Romance Concert was a great success and performed for a full house. By popular demand, we have scheduled our annual concert for January again. It is going to be outstanding and will lift us on our way into the New Year.

We cordially invite members and friends to attend and hear instrumentalists,

David Coucheron, Violin
John Lidal, Piano

Vocal Soloists:
Eva Engman,
Helena Liljeblad, and
Katja Kullander, Song and Piano

WHEN: Thursday, January 08, ‘09
TIME: 7 P.M.
PRICE: $15.00
WHERE: KING OLAV V’s CHURCH–The Norwegian Church and Cultural Center
317 East 52nd Street (btw. 1st and 2nd Ave’s.) / New York City

LIMITED SPACE. REFRESHMENTS.

“2008, our Centenary Year, was a banner year. And, now, I look forward to 2009 and the upcoming season of events. Harriet Nilsen and Rolf Stang are again putting together a season-kick-off concert with extraordinary prize winning musician-artists. David Coucheron is back in New York for a few weeks only, he has been a soloist, playing his Stradivarius with orchestras on three continents, since he completed his Masters Degree at the Juilliard School in 2007. Four of our performers are recipients of A.S.S. Cultural Grant Awards! I hope to see you there.” Vibeke Steineger, President.

No tickets will be mailed / Guest list at the door.

Please respond with check payable to the American Scandinavian Society, by Jan. 6
Send to: Harriet Nilsen / 85 East End Avenue #2L / New York, NY 10028
Inquiries: 212 861-9122 or email: AmScandSociety08@aol.com


Past events 2008

 

CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT THE NORWEGIAN SEAMEN'S CHURCH,
DECEMBER 18TH, 7:30 PM

Do not miss the Christmas Concert at the Norwegian Seamen's Church, Thursday December 18th at 7:30 pm. Tickets: 212-319-0370.

More information (The Norwegian Seamen's Church Website)


American Scandinavian Society Plans Ball of the Century,
Dec 5th 2008

The American Scandinavian Society is eagerly preparing for “The Ball of the Century” to mark its’ 100th year in existence!

American Scandinavian Society has decided to mark their Anniversary by honoring two people as Scandinavian American of the Century.We have decided on one male and one female representing Sports and the Arts-both having a strong Humanitarian focus. It is an privilege to celebrate, Henrik Lundqvist, the charming 26 year-old Swede who is the professional ice hockey goaltender for the NY Rangers and Connie Nielsen, the award winning Danish actress and great beauty.

Henrik Lundqvist has been nominated for the Vezina trophy three times and has been nicknamed "King Henrik" by his fans and NY media for his dominating play in his rookie season. In the 2006 winter Olympics he led the national Swedish ice hockey team to their second Olympic gold medal

Connie Nielsen became known to American audiences with her break thru role of Lucilla in Ridley Scott's Academy award winning epic, "Gladiator", in 2000. Other noteworthy American films that she starred in include Mission to Mars, One Hour Photo, The Hunted, and Basic. In 2004, she debuted in the Danish film "The Brothers" or Broedre for which she won best Danish actress award, the Bodil, for her stellar performance and best actress at The San Sebastian International Film Festival. She was also nominated for Best Actress at the European Film Awards. In 2006, Nielsen appeared in several episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as Det. Dani Beck.

Famed business woman, singer and International model Malena Belafonte will serve as Master of Ceremonies.Malena Belafonte has appeared in several TV shows and movies and owns her own production company, Pink Pirate Productions, which has television, movie and concert production among its accomplishments. Mrs. Belafonte also owns Malena by Malena Belafonte, her own special makeup line for multi-tasking women

With such an inspiring and incredible talent in attendance, the event promises to be truly "The Ball of the Century". As always, many executives from leading Scandinavian and American companies, Scandinavian diplomats, and members and non-menbers alike will be present. There will be a fantastic orchestra to inspire all to dance the night away as well as a beautiful, traditional Lucia procession. In addition, there will be a silent auction with everything from art work to spa packages.

For more information and tickets, please email American Society Christmas Ball Chairperson, Lisa Resling Halpern at christmasball2008@gmail.com

WHEN: Friday, December 5th, 2008
WHERE: The Metropolitan Club, New York City
WHO: The American Scandinavian Society of NY, Inc
WHAT: The Ball of the Century

Gala Dinner Starts: 7pm
Lucia & After Dinner Starts: 9:30pm

Press Contact: Michelle Halpern
Email: mrhalpern@hotmail.com
Download PDF invitation

All tickets sold out!


THE UGLY DUCKLING'S BIRTHDAY PARTY - September 27
In 1837, Hans Christian Andersen wrote "Den grimme Ælling" and, according to an international publisher's survey reportetd on by the New York Times, it has become the most-popular-written-down-story-in-the-world.

A.S.S. member Rolf Stang, who has told the story of "The Ugly Duckling" to tens of thousands of young people across America during the past 15 years, will again be our host and storyteller.

Pack your camera, gather up the young, and your young-at-heart and join us for the Ugly Duckling's 171st birtday!

WHEN:
Saturday morning, 11 am, September 27th, 2008
WHERE: The H. Chr. Andersen Statue in Central Park, the Boat Pond, E 72nd Street and 5th Avenue

 

PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM TOUR - September 20
The American Scandinavian Society cordially extends an invitation to its members and friends for a very special outing. On Saturday, September 20th, a motor coach will leave from Manhattan at 9am promptly, from the corner of 1st Avenue and 52nd Street, for Philadelphia to visit two outstanding museums.

The first will be a guided tour of the Swedish Historical Museum. Modeled after a 17th century manor house, the museum is situated on land settled by the Swedes prior to Wm. Penn’s arrival. Galleries contain materials that interpret over 300 years of Swedish life in America. There are special exhibits of John Ericsson, designer of the civil war battleship, The Monitor and Jenny Lind, “The Swedish Nightingale”. There are many rare examples of early glass, textiles, paintings and drawings, as well as, an extensive library. After the tour we will enjoy a box lunch in the museum’s café.

Following lunch we will head to the much publicized Barnes Foundation which is planning a move to a new location. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit the museum in its original home. The Foundation was established in 1922 by Dr. Albert Coomes Barnes to promote the advancement and education of the fine arts. It houses one of the finest collections of French early modern and post-impressionist paintings in the world. An extraordinary number of masterpieces by Renoir, Cezanne and Matisse provide a depth of work unavailable elsewhere. The collection includes works by Picasso, Rousseau, Monet, Degas and others.

We will return to Manhattan early evening. Our seating is limited, so please make your reservation early. Please be aware that no tickets will be mailed or sold at the motor coach. A reservation list will be at the departure point. Please make your all inclusive check payable to ASSNY fr $75.00 for members and $85.00 for non members and mail to Edith N. Warner, 256A Old Nassau Rd, Monroe Twp, NJ, 08831. For inquires call Edith at 609 395 7110 or Harriet Nilsen at 212 861 9122. Your reservation must be received by September 12th.

Looking forward to seeing you at this outstanding event.

WHEN: Saturday morning 9 am, September 20th, 2008
WHERE: Departure from 1st Avenue and 52nd Street
Reservations must be received by September 12th

 

AN EVENING WITH CELESTE HOLM - September 17
The legendary Oscar-winning actress, Celeste Holm will be interviewed by fellow performer and friend of 50 years, Rolf Stang. Her extraordinary life and caeer will be discussed, and clips from her films, “Gentlemen’s Agreement” and “All About Eve” amongst them, will be shown. As Ms. Holm reminisces, Mr. Stang will not only speak of highlights in her professional life, but Celeste Holm’s civic mindedness as a New Yorker as well. Ms. Holm is strongly linked to her family roots in Norway.

Heather Johnson, mezzo-soprano, and John Lidal, pianist, will perform texts set to music by Grieg from the Jæren district, Rogaland County, where Ms. Holm’s father was born.

“I have loved my work and am very thankful for the interesting life I have lived! Most of the time things have gone just fine. But, there have been some very contrasting moments, too along the way. I’ve been knighted by Olav V, Norway’s King, and jailed by Ed Koch, the Mayor of New York.”

WHEN: Wednesday, September 17, 6:30 pm
WHERE: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue, at 38th Street, New York
Price: $15. ($10 ASF & American Scandinavian Soc. Members)

 

Thursday, June 5, 2008:
The American Scandinavian Society of New York, Inc.
Invites members and friends to
CELEBRATE OUR 100TH ANNIVERSARY

Explorers Club
46 East 70th Street
New York City
7 P.M. to 9 P.M.

6 P.M. Membership Meeting
7 P.M. Awards Ceremony & Reception

Recipients of the 2008 Cultural Grant Awards:
Kristina Skovby, Kukkamari Gröndahl, Isold Uggadottir
John Lidal, Helena Liljeblad
Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance

Check/Reservation – Mail check payable to:
American Scandinavian Society, Att: Harriet Nilsen
85 East End Avenue, #2L, New York, NY 10028

Inq’s: H. Nilsen 212 861-9122 or V. Steineger 917 863-5851
Reservations necessary. Deadline: May 30, 2008
Hors d’oeuvres - Wine
Donation $35.00 -Non-members $55.00*

* Includes Courtesy Membership thru end of 2008

Guest List at Door

Download invitation document (pdf file)


Past events 2004-2005

Exhibits planned by the Arts Committee

 

Annual Meeting: Tuesday, September 20th,2005

Held at The Royal Danish Consulate of New York

  • Call to order by President Lisa Resling Halpern
  • Approval of Minutes
  • Presidents Report followed by questions
  • Treasurers Report
  • Committee Reports:
    • Program Committee
    • Arts Committee
    • Membership Committee
    • Nominating Committee

Performance by Grant Recipient, David Coucheron-introduced by President Emeritus Vibeke Steineger

Introduction of Grants Chair Else Matthews

Granting of Awards:

  • James Prizant will present to Sarah Cameron Sunde
  • Ilkka Kalliomaa will present to Sanni Orasmaa
  • Bertha Lindefjeld will present to David Coucheron
  • Else Matthews will present to Jane C. Pejtersen

Entertainment followed by the cocktail party
See the photos


The annual Spring-Herring Lunch was hosted on The World Yacht – The Princess on 1 May, 2005. A great time was had by all.
See the photos


“A little Night Music” – a program hosted by Vibeke Steineger at her home on 7 April, 2005. The Icelandic price winning and very gifted pianist, Vikingur Olafsson performed.

A very magical evening indeed.


A reception at The Residence of the Consul General of Sweden, Ambassador Kjell Anneling and Mrs. Birgit Anneling took place on 2 March, 2005. Featured speaker was Commissioner Brian G. Andersson.


The ASS together with the Foundation hosted “Swedes in Cuba”, a presentation by Ms. Tana Ross.

November 30th, 2004


Annual Christmas Ball held at The Metropolitan Club on December 3, 2004

A most elegant and festive evening with the magic of Christmas in the air.
See the photos


Guided tour of “Christos – The Gates” in Central Park on 26 February, 2005.
See the photos


Skating at Rockefeller Center ice rink took place on 16 February, 2005, precluded by dinner at the Swedish Church.


The Melville Gallery at the South Street Seaport Museum, illustrated talk by Bill Miller, Maritime Historian. The theme: “When getting there was half the fun: The last great Atlantic Liners”

 

November 11, 2004


Autum 2004 Guided Studio tour where 6 art studios in the village were visited on 23 October, 2004.


Annual meeting was held at The Finnish Consulate on 14 September, 2004.

Cultural grant awards were presented to the winners.


Hans Christian Andersen – Story telling in Central Park (The Ugly Duckling)

The event took place on 11 September, 2004

 

Past events 2001-2002

All that Jazz...

On April 4th,2002 American Scandinavian Society invited its members to join them for a festive Jazz concert.Sunna Gunnlaugsdottir preformed with her quartet at the Norwegian church. The music inspired young and old . Sunna's peices are her origional works primarily drawn from her latest cd entitled 'Mindful'.

Sunna originates from Iceland and has made her home in Brooklyn.Her music, like her background stretches far beyond borders. In one peice she combines Icelandic children's tunes with American rhythyms.She is a pianist with a fluid style that reaches in and compels you to listen attentively.One moment your foot is tapping to the swing style and the next she provokes another level of soul searching. Humor is also readily apparent in her music. Sunna introduced a peice entitled "Smoke" by saying that it was inspired by all the smoky clubs in Germany to which she adds "Don't they know yet that it's bad ?".She is all times engaging.My Personal favorite was perhaps another origional work entitled "Good Stuff".

The Quartet is composed of Sunna on piano, ScottMclemore( her husband) on drums,Matt Pavolka on bass and Ohad Talmar on saxophone. Her original inspirations were pianist Bill Evans and Bobo Stenson amongst others.Whetheryou are a Jazz afficionado or not I strongly reccommend that you check out Sunna. Her music can be heard live on April26th at Scandinavia House in Manhattan( hosted by The American Scandinavian Foundation).For further information or too purchase her cd's you can visit her website at http://www.sunnagunnlaugs.com


A Feast for all the senses.....

On Wednesday Feburary 21st the famous gourmet caterer Paavo held an open-house at his Southstreet Seaport apartment. True to Paavo's signature style even before you entered his apartment there was enchantment in the air.

Once we arrived at his Apartment the scent of scandinavian specialities and flowers filled the air . The visual presentation was equally as inviting...there were gilded table cloths, plenty of flattering candle-light , tall glass cylinders filled with green apples, a tempting presentation of food and stacks of inviting books.

The evening began with a welcome toast and then we feasted on a smorgasbord of salmon, frikadeller, cheese,choclates, etc accompanied by a lovely white wine. Paavo also had Jesper (formerly the resident chef of the Danish Consulate in New York) in his kitchen and his beautiful wife served the drinks.

Once our eyes,noses and tastebuds had a field day then came the big treat---we listened to Paavo. He entertained us with details about Isabella Rosellini's 'Manifesto' perfume launch. Paavo used to be Ms.Picasso's mother's chef..the fabulous Ingrid Bergman. It is a strong statement about Paavo's work that when Paloma decided to do her perfume launch she turned to Paavo for culinary and artistic direction. If you have ever been to any event that he has catered it comes as no surprise, because he understands how to turn the scandinavian simplicity into a glamerous event without letting it lose it's essence.Afterwards, he shared with us some gossip about the legendary Maria Callas-but you'll have to attend his next event to hear the details for yourself.....

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