The life of one of Norway’s best-loved...

The life of one of Norway’s best-loved composers, Edvard Grieg, will be celebrated in a lively musical tribute marking his 150th birthday at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the James R. Armstrong Theatre of the Torrance Cultural Arts Center.

In its only California appearance, a sextet of some of Norway’s top musical performers will present “From Norway With Grieg,” a 90-minute program of music, song and dance that highlights some of Grieg’s best-known works and explores the tradition that inspired him.

“We wanted to present a program that was not just another Grieg concert, but puts his music in perspective,” said Sigmund Groven, who plays chromatic harmonica for the group.

Grieg, often considered the symbol of Norway in the world of music, is noted for work that echoed motifs found in national folk music and captured the spirit of his homeland. While he is not the only composer to have used traditional melodies within classical music, some consider Grieg’s compositions to be precedent-setting.

“From Norway With Grieg” will introduce audiences to original Norwegian dances and melodies, variations Grieg composed for some of his most famous works and music by his predecessors and contemporaries.

Renowned soprano Solveig Kringlebotn will perform “Solveig’s Song,” from the Peer Gynt Suite, which Grieg wrote to accompany Ibsen’s stage production, “Peer Gynt.”

Dancers Karin Brennesvik and Reidar Meinstad will present centuries-old dances such as the springar, a traditional couples dance, and the halling, an athletic, graceful men’s dance. Music performed by Groven, pianist Ivar Anton Waagaard and Hauk Buen, a master of the ancient Hardanger fiddle, Norway’s national instrument, provides the foundation for the program.

The performers, dressed in regional folk costume, will explain the influence and significance of each number. The program’s lively pace and informal approach give it “crossover appeal” that makes it accessible to all audiences, Groven said.

Guests are invited to a public reception for the performers immediately after the show. Tickets are $20. All $25 tickets have been sold. The Armstrong Theatre is located in the Torrance Cultural Center at 3330 Civic Center Drive. Information: (310) 781-7171.