Book of Ruth – an Oratorio about Kindness

“Book of Ruth – an oratorio about kindness” by cathedral cantor Petra Bjørkhaug is a story about inclusion, courage and love. It is as relevant today as it was 3000 years ago. “The Book of Ruth” is one of the shorter books of the Old Testament. The story of Ruth is about hunger and hardship, love and faithfulness, loyalty and inclusion across cultural boundaries. Most of all it is about a strong woman who broke with the norms of society. The young widow and Moabite woman Ruth left her people and her religion to follow her mother-in-law to Bethlehem. She herself took the initiative towards Boaz, who was to become her second husband. Her choice meant that it was precisely she, the immigrant woman Ruth, who carried the family line on, became great-grandmother of King David and foremother of Jesus. Nidarosdomens oratoriekor commissioned the oratorio about Ruth, with texts from “The Book of Ruth” and the Book of Psalms and music by Petra Bjørkhaug.

• Karen Haugom Olsen
• Nidarosdomens oratoriekor
• Irene Snuruås
• Nina Sæterhaug
• Lars Eggen
• Petra Bjørkhaug