Benedicte Maurseth & Sigbjørn Apeland
Festival Music is
On the cover of the album Hárr, the great-great-grandfather of composer and violinist Benedicte Maurseth sits while a herd of reindeer grazes behind him. Apart from the photo, there is a short recording of his voice. It’s a bond that spans generations, and one that predestined Maurseth for her career as a successful composer and performer on the Hardanger violin, a Norwegian folk stringed instrument. In her compositions and improvisations, she does not try to construct a utopian past. With her ancient instrument, she speaks to our time through evocative rhythms, melodic flexibility, and surprising harmonies defined by the rich resonance of the instrument and its strings.
In addition to her solo pieces, she will play several duets in Prague with her fellow countryman, Sigbjørn Apeland, an ethnomusicologist with an interest in church and folk music, organist, and long-time member of the Norwegian improvisation scene. The program will also include the world premiere of a new work by Benedicte Maurseth, which the duo of artists will perform together with the PMP Ensemble.
Organized by Prague Music Performance in cooperation with Music is.
About the festival
After 18 years of its existence, the American Spring Festival has entered 2023 with a new name Music Is. The festival will offer mainly concerts of contemporary classical and jazz music. The dramaturgy reflects contemporary musical developments and current themes without genre restrictions.
