Jenn
23.08.2005, 20:27
It was a fascination with Native American culture that inspired a-has Morton Harket to tie a leather string - made by kid brother Kjetil - around his wrist in the 1980s. Little did he know that a whole generation of fans would emulate the gesture.
The leather loop is back – this time on the wrist of a Vigeland statue - as part of Hydro’s day-long centennial celebration for employees and the public at Oslo’s Frogner Park on August 27. A-ha is a main attraction.
“It’s meant to be a joyful occasion. People are invited for a fun, full day,” says Harket, who recently performed with a-ha members Magne Furuholmen and Paul Waaktar-Savoy at the Live 8 concert in Berlin. The group will also play an already sold-out gig at New York City’s Irving Plaza on September 12 – its first US concert since 1986 and exactly 20 years after the hit “Take on me” soared to the top of the pops worldwide.
The trio recently finished recording a new album that’s due out sometime this fall. “Dance music for the soul,” Harket says.
Asked about Hydro, the 45 year old singer waxes philosophical. “It’s a funny company, semi-idealistic, in a way, owned by the people. The fact they’re putting values at the top of their identity agenda is positive. It represents a sense of sincerity. I don’t believe commercial companies have another option anymore. Genuine and honest companies matter more and more to the public. I don’t think the public is naïve anymore.”
To the non-Norwegian, Harket typifies a facet of Norwegian character when defining himself as “a green-oriented citizen,” yet one who understands the “importance of being realistic.”
Norway as well as Hydro’s viability has and will continue to rely on balancing industrial, environmental and societal interests. Meanwhile, growing globalization presents unprecedented challenges to both the country and company’s sustainability practices.
Two decades as an international pop star has taught Harket a thing or two about life. “By nature I’m optimistic, but by experience wary,” he says. The most important thing I’ve learned over the years is the significance of diversity in all aspects of life – in relationships between people, socially, politically, in business as well as in family life. Out in nature, the diversity of species is imperative to maintaining the balance of life as we know it.”
Harket thinks “diversity” should be added to the list of Hydro’s five stated values - courage, respect, cooperation, determination, and foresight. “I believe Hydro’s and very likely Norway’s future viability will be dependent on understanding diversity,” he comments.
http://www.centennial.hydro.com/library/images/events/aha_morten_2.jpg
http://www.centennial.hydro.com/en/aha.html
The leather loop is back – this time on the wrist of a Vigeland statue - as part of Hydro’s day-long centennial celebration for employees and the public at Oslo’s Frogner Park on August 27. A-ha is a main attraction.
“It’s meant to be a joyful occasion. People are invited for a fun, full day,” says Harket, who recently performed with a-ha members Magne Furuholmen and Paul Waaktar-Savoy at the Live 8 concert in Berlin. The group will also play an already sold-out gig at New York City’s Irving Plaza on September 12 – its first US concert since 1986 and exactly 20 years after the hit “Take on me” soared to the top of the pops worldwide.
The trio recently finished recording a new album that’s due out sometime this fall. “Dance music for the soul,” Harket says.
Asked about Hydro, the 45 year old singer waxes philosophical. “It’s a funny company, semi-idealistic, in a way, owned by the people. The fact they’re putting values at the top of their identity agenda is positive. It represents a sense of sincerity. I don’t believe commercial companies have another option anymore. Genuine and honest companies matter more and more to the public. I don’t think the public is naïve anymore.”
To the non-Norwegian, Harket typifies a facet of Norwegian character when defining himself as “a green-oriented citizen,” yet one who understands the “importance of being realistic.”
Norway as well as Hydro’s viability has and will continue to rely on balancing industrial, environmental and societal interests. Meanwhile, growing globalization presents unprecedented challenges to both the country and company’s sustainability practices.
Two decades as an international pop star has taught Harket a thing or two about life. “By nature I’m optimistic, but by experience wary,” he says. The most important thing I’ve learned over the years is the significance of diversity in all aspects of life – in relationships between people, socially, politically, in business as well as in family life. Out in nature, the diversity of species is imperative to maintaining the balance of life as we know it.”
Harket thinks “diversity” should be added to the list of Hydro’s five stated values - courage, respect, cooperation, determination, and foresight. “I believe Hydro’s and very likely Norway’s future viability will be dependent on understanding diversity,” he comments.
http://www.centennial.hydro.com/library/images/events/aha_morten_2.jpg
http://www.centennial.hydro.com/en/aha.html