Sunniva Rødland


Let the harp sound!

 

Norges Musikkhøgskole

Norwegian Academy of Music

Viva Voce: 3. september 2015


Veiledere: Prof. Henrik Hellstenius, prof. Ivar Frounberg og prof. Eivind Buene

 

Bedømmelseskomité:

Professor Anne LeBaron, California Institute of the Arts, USA

Harpist Gabriella Dall’Olio, Trinity Laban Conservatorire of Music and Dance, UK

Professor Bjørn Howard Kruse, NMH

Sunniva Rødland’s artistic research project Let the Harp Sound - Updating the understanding of the sound and artistic role of the harp in Norwegian contemporary music makes its inquiries through artistic activity such as performances or creative processes. In this project, Rødland aims to broaden the position of the harp as an instrument in contemporary music. Through multiple performances of modern repertoire, composer collaborations, and new works specifically commissioned for the project, Rødland seeks to challenge pre-supposed ideas of the harp, thereby encouraging a new look at the instrument. As a result, Let the Harp Sound! reflects upon the musician’s role in composer-musician collaborations. The project also involves explorations of the concert format, use of electronics, multimedia concerts, interdisciplinary performances, and improvisation. The artistic result of Let the Harp Sound! consists of over 40 performances by Rødland throughout the project period. These performances include nine world premieres and collaborations with ensembles such as the Norwegian Wind Ensemble, Ensemble Ernst, and Nidaros Girls Choir. The main artistic result was presented at a final concert in Kulturkirken Jakob in 2012, and through two recordings. Video and recordings of performances can be found at www.sunnivawettre.com. The critical reflection contains Rødland’s own reflections on the processes, performances and composer collaborations. The appendix consists of Rødland’s conversations with the harpists Judy Loman, Godelieve Schrama, Elisabeth Sønstevold and Willy Postma, about their experiences and views on playing contemporary music and working with composers. Rødland’s reference lists include 170 compositions and 90 published recordings of modern/contemporary music for harp.

 

NMH | Sunniva Rødland: Let The Harp Sound

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