For the last 30 years, Mikael Marin and Olov Johansson played together in Väsen. Now as a duo they're continuing to create a new musical vision, firmly rooted in the folk traditions of their native Sweden but unmistakeably fresh and modern. Their music is playful and intense, full of humor, and they have an almost telepathic rapport onstage.

Olov and Micke go on adventures among old fine musicians, stories and trad tunes. To assist them, they perform on a variety of stringed instruments, including a silverbasharpa, oktavharpa, three-rowed Nyckelharpa, violoncello da spalla and a blue electric viola.

The two first met in 1983 at Oktoberstämman in Uppsala, and discovered that they had a large common repertoire and a similar way of playing. It turned out they had been introduced to the rich Bohlin/Tallroth tradition by two brothers: Micke had learned from Ivar Tallroth in Uppsala and Olov had learned from Curt Tallroth in Harbo.

Olov and Micke started playing intensively together, and released their first recording in 1985. A few years later Olov met guitarist Roger Tallroth at a music festival, and they released a CD that launched the new trio Väsen. Longtime SFMS concert-goers will recall previous visits by the trio. We're looking forward to seeing these friends again.