Sweet Forests and the Geometry of Water

Over the years, Borealis has been one of BIT20 Ensemble’s most steadfast artistic partners in the city. Together we’ve presented adventurous new concert programs by living composers. This year, BIT20 Ensemble brings to the concert stage an exciting one-hour program of contemporary works by Helena Tulve (Estonia), Diana Soh (Singapore), Øyvind Torvund (Norway) and Hannah Kendall (UK).

Between soft-spoken introspection and mechanical jubilance, the program builds on musical contrasts showcasing the many facets of Bergen´s foremost contemporary music ensemble.

Beginning with Helena Tulve´s Stream, the listener is introduced to an undercurrent of quiet tension, eventually culminating in the noisy number Neon Forest Space by Bergen´s very own Øyvind Torvund. Diana Soh´s Modicum, translated to measure in English, brings the listener to a reflective moment in the possibilities of angular shapes of instrumental sounds. Finally, Hannah Kendall’s reflective Even Sweetness Can Scratch the Throat offers the audience a playful ending, with sounds filtered through megaphones and radio effects.

Considering the varied repertoire, this concert is a poetic and powerful culmination of musical ideas which rounds off Borealis festival 2026. 

Programme

Helena Tulve Stream (14’)
Øyvind Torvund Neon Forest Space (13’)
Diana Soh Modicum (15’)
Hannah Kendall Even sweetness can scratch the throat (12’)

On stage

BIT20 Ensemble

Venue Bergen Internasjonale Kultursenter (BIKS)
Date 15th of March
Concert 3PM
Doors open 2.30PM

Presented in collaboration with the festival Borealis.