- The opportunity to recognize the laureate’s contributions to the world peace movement will be an awe-inspiring experience.  We are both humbled and honored to take part in the Nobel Peace Prize Concert this year, the host couple said in a joint statement before the concert.

The concert opened with a performance by Norway's own Alexander Rybak, winner of this year's Eurosong Contest. The fiery number "Fairytale" caught extra attention from the audience when Rybak's fiddle unfortunately hit the floor, but he was still able to end the number with nearly the usual gusto.

Another highlight was the performance by jazz musician/vocalist Esperanza Spalding, President Obama's own choice. She also performed during the Peace Prize Award Ceremony at the Oslo City Hall the day before.

So did Chinese pianist Lang Lang, who on Friday night played a slightly shortened version of "Rhapsody in Blue".

The concert also featured performances by Wyclef Jean, Toby Keith, Donna Summer, Puerto
Rican Luis Fosni and several other international artists.

(NRK/Aftenposten)

Rolleiv Solholm