Modern legends at Bergen International Festival
BIT20 is on solid ground in this mind-blowing, multi-disciplinary cooperation with Carte Blanche – The Norwegian National Company of Contemporary Dance and Bergen International Festival.
The festival composer selected for 2019, Unsuk Chin, is an old acquaintance of the ensemble. In Grieghallen this evening, Chin’s work encircles that of her old mentor, modern composer legend György Ligeti (1923–2006). Ligeti was according the Chin very clear on one thing: She had to leave behind the avant-garde tradition she came from. Doing what you already knew was completely forbidden! Besides their remarkable energy and undisputable strength of character, the two composers also share a fair dose of humour. In her pantomime inspired piece cosmigimmicks Chin salutes Ligeti, accompanied by Carte Blanche. In their by carte blanche concept, the whole company joins forces to create a piece without a choreographer. Dancers and musicians meet up only hours before showtime to create an outstanding scenic moment, unique for this concert.
Ligeti’s music might lead some listeners into outer space, as the music is to many known as the soundtrack to Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Adding Stravinsky to the mix binds together the different time frames at play, perhaps with a characteristically restless energy as the most obvious common nerve. This will be an evening that takes the audience through portraits of different eras – only to create the feeling that no era of style truly exists, only music and dance.
In collaboration with Bergen International Festival & Carte Blanche – The Norwegian National Company of Contemporary Dance.
