WHY IS THERE A STATUE OF OLE BULL?
He was a famous Norwegian violinist (b. 1810 — d. 1880). The virtuoso was also noted as a composer for the Hardanger fiddle (hardingfele). This unique instrument was developed in the 1650s and has a series of four or five “sympathetic” strings mounted under the primary strings which resonate when played. The statue honoring him was dedicated on May 17, 1897, sponsored through the combined efforts of the Ole Bull Memorial Association and the Nordmaendenes Sanforening of Minneapolis. The heroically scaled statue, created by Jacob Fjelde, was unveiled by Miss Ragnhild Sorenson and accepted on behalf of the city by the Honorable Robert Pratt, Mayor of Minneapolis. The musician’s son, Alexander, was present and played one of his father’s compositions. The statue underwent a restoration in 2000 with a $16,000 grant from SOS! (Save Outdoor Sculpture!) funded by the Target Corporation and a $20,000 contribution from the Sons of Norway.
