KONGSBERG (Dagbladet): On Saturday, cantor Matthias Anger in Kongsberg church told Laagendalsposten that he witnessed one of the killings on Wednesday night, and that one of those killed was his neighbor. He then initiated a memorial concert at the church.
Anger does not want to talk about what he experienced when he meets Dagbladet, but uses big words to describe the memorial concert.
– How have the last days in Kongsberg been?
– Heavy. It was only yesterday that I got out of the house. I have mixed feelings and can’t really put it into words. That’s why it’s so nice to experience the music and this concert, Anger tells Dagbladet after the concert on Sunday night.
– What was it like conducting the concert?
– It was strong. To be completely honest, I’m not that important. I am most impressed with my singers and those who read and played. When you make music together, you breathe together and let yourself be carried away by the music. It’s magical, and we all felt it in that moment.
OFFICE: Matthias Anger in Kongsberg church. Photo: Bjørn Langsem / Dagbladet
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Crowded church
Kongsberg church was full twice on Sunday, a few days that five people were killed: first during a memorial service, then during the memorial concert. Anger says that it is a strong experience in itself to feel that the locals are gathered in Kongsberg these days.
Mayor Kari Anne Sand also highlights the community.
– It was very nice and gave a lot of thought. It was a nice rounding off of the day. Music makes the emotions go a little all the way, and I think that was the intention. In addition, there was unity between the inhabitants, and it also feels very good, says Sand to Dagbladet after the concert.
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Homage
The church was filled with an unusually long applause when the concert was over. Anger then received both hugs and pats on the shoulder, including from the mayor.
– What do you think about the cantor’s efforts?
– It’s admirable. I’m very happy he did, but it’s tough, so it’s good to see. We have an all time cantor. It was fantastic what was delivered by his choir tonight, says mayor Sand.
Dagbladet passed on the mayor’s words to cantor Anger.
– This is not about me. I think it is admirable how the municipality stands up, and the apparatus that has actually handled this situation. We also have fantastic musicians here who have been involved in this, Anger answers the mayor’s tribute.
FULL: Kongsberg church was full twice on Sunday, just days after the killings in the city. Photo: Bjørn Langsem / Dagbladet
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Memorial service
Both the Crown Prince Couple and the Minister of Justice Emilie Mehl attended the memorial service on Sunday morning. During the service, representatives from the emergency services and the hospital lit candles for those killed. Sand thinks it was great.
– I think it’s great to be able to honor the dead in that way, and that this is done by the blue light services and the hospital. I think it was very good and I think they appreciated it themselves too.
On Saturday, the police announced the names to the five who were killed: Gun Marith Madsen (78), Hanne Merethe Englund (56), Liv Berit Borge (75), Gunnar Erling Sauve (75) and Andrea Meyer (52).
– It is very strong when you get the names of what has previously only been a number. Then it becomes even more real. I have deep compassion for the bereaved, and it was strong to meet some of them today, says Sand.
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