Victor Borge

February 18 ”“ May 1, 2011

Exhibit  explores Victor Borge”'s life and achievements with  film clips, recordings, photographs and memorabilia. Admission: see below.

Born Børge Rosenbaum in Denmark on January 3, 1909, Mr. Borge trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Music and began his career in Denmark in the 1930s. While touring in Sweden, the Third Reich invaded Denmark, Borge, being Jewish, could not return home.  He went to the  U.S on August 28, 1940.

Affectionately called “Great Dane,” Victor Borge was an engaging musician, humorist,  humanitarian, and one of the most popular performers in the US and Scandinavia. He effectively used physical and visual elements maintaining a consistent, dynamic energy and high level of spontaneity, marked by impeccable timing and highly developed musicality.

During 60 years in the U.S., he performed on radio and television, in films, on stage, and at the White House. In 1956, he performed on Broadway with his Comedy in Music; still the record for longest-running one-man show. Recognized as an ambassador of goodwill in  Denmark and America, he was knighted by the five Nordic countries and honored by  U.S. Congress and the United Nations.  Borge died Dec. 23, 2000.

Related Programs:

“Victor Borge: Life and Laughs of a Scandinavian Humorist” Exhibit Opening Reception Friday, Feb. 18 ”” 6 p.m. (7:30 p.m. performance)

A free opening reception for the Victor Borge exhibit beginning at 6 p.m. in the Grand Hall of ASI.   At 7:30 p.m., Janet Borge Crowle (one of Borge”'s five children ) and pianist Glenn Henriksen team up to offer a glimpse of Borge”'s life. personally and professionally.

“Guest in the Gallery” Janet Borge Crowle. Saturday, Feb. 19 ”” 2:30”“3:30 p.m.

Victor Borge”'s daughter, Janet Borge Crowle,  will chat with visitors in the gallery, answer questions, and share personal stories and memories on an informal basis from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19. Admission: see below.

Glenn Henriksen Piano Concert, Saturday, Feb. 19 ”• 7 p.m.

Pianist Glenn Henriksen will perform a variety concert at the ASI on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. Henriksen will play classics from composers such as Beethoven, Chopin, and Grieg, followed by show tunes, standards, patriotic tunes, and Swedish music. The cost of the concert is $8 ($6 for ASI members). Reservations are encouraged.

ASI Forum: “Danish Design”.Wednesday, Feb. 23 ”• 7 p.m.

The Forum will focus on Danish design and how it has become a global influence.  Susan Jacobsen will explore Danish designers including Arne Jacobsen, Hans J. Wegner and Poul Kjærholm, whose iconic creations have come to define “Danish Modern.” Reservations are encouraged. Susan Jacobsen is Director of Public Programs at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Admission: see below.

Admission is included with museum admission: $6, $5 ages 62+, $4 ages 6”“18 and students with ID.  American Swedish Institute 612-871-4907 2600 Park Avenue South Mpls.

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