Risør kammermusikkfest: Crumb, Bansal and Sylvestrov

Join us for an enchanting evening guided by violinist and composer Harpreet Bansal, as we journey from the depths of Indian raga tradition to the heart of Western melancholy. Renowned for his mastery of ragas, Bansal promises an exploration of meditative soundscapes and playful improvisations.

Central to the program is 'Otherwise,' inspired by the ragas Kaushik Dhwani and Lalit, delicately balancing themes of light and shadow, order and chaos.

Amidst Bansal’s evocative compositions, experience George Crumb’s haunting 'Black Angels – Thirteen Images from the Dark Land,' a poignant reminder of the human toll of conflict. George Crumb, who passed away in February 2022, was known as an explorer in music with alternate forms of notation and expanded instrumental and vocal techniques. Black Angels is written for an eclectic string quartet where the instruments are amplified until the volume reaches the pain threshold. The musicians use instruments in untraditional ways, as well as whispering, singing, shouting, and drumming. Crumb was influenced by painful memories from the Vietnam War when he wrote Black Angels.

Reflecting on contemporary turmoil, Ukrainian composer Valentyn Silvestrov’s melancholic melodies offer solace and introspection, embodying the resilience of the human spirit. Silvestrov’s flight from Ukraine with nothing but his musical manuscripts adds a deeply personal dimension to his music, underscoring the urgency of his message in seeking refuge and peace.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of transcendent music, spanning cultures and centuries, as we contemplate themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of peace.

Program

Harpreet Bansal - Otherwise

George Crumb - Black Angels

Valentyn Sylvestrov - TBA

With

Harpreet Bansal – violin Andreas Bratlie – tablas Cikada String Quartet

More info and tickets on the festival's website