Estimated duration
1 h
Organizer
Taideyliopiston Sibelius-Akatemia
Þorkell Nordal's "Animistic rituals" explores the ritualistic nature of the concert situation.
“Animistic rituals” comprises a series of six pieces for guitar and electronics. Each movement explores various playing techniques, born out of specific restrictions, such as focusing on different parts of the instrument or preparations. The work explores the potential of the voice in guiding a spectrum of musical expression, including percussive, noise, and harmonic sounds. The interplay between acoustic and electronic sounds serves as both a dramaturgical tool and means of expanding the instrument’s sonic possibilities. For example, the sounds of the strings being changed becomes a part of the composition and guitar cases are used to diffuse the sound around the space.
The collaboration between composer Þorkell Nordal and guitarist Mark Reid Bulatović is a crucial aspect of the work, both in terms of dialogue during the composition process and in shaping the ritual of the performance. Some of the rituals have been publicly performed during the process, transforming the collaboration into a space where the written musical text and the performer’s interpretation can continually evolve.
In addition to the guitar works, the musical experience is enriched by interludes and video materials that offer commentary on the musical concepts explored within the pieces.
Þorkell Nordal is an Icelandic composer based in Helsinki. With a background as guitarist and choir singer in his native country he soon focused on composition and pursued composition studies at the Iceland University of the Arts, Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre and at the Sibelius Academy. Nordal focuses on creating immersive musical experiences, exploring sound palettes and shaping pieces through a gradual process. Nordal’s music, designed for concert halls and site-specific installations, represents a cohesive body of sonic ideas adaptable to various mediums. Nordal’s music has been performed in festivals such as Ung Nordisk Music, Musica Nova Helsinki, Tampere Biennale, Skálholt Summer Concerts and Estonian Music Days. His music has been performed by ensembles including Uusinta, Schallfeld Ensemble, defunensemble, Elja Ensemble, Reykjavik Cathedral Choir and NyNorsk Messingkvintett.
Performers
- Mark Reid Bulatović, guitar and performance
- Þorkell Nordal, live-electronics
Programme
- Þorkell Nordal: Animistic rituals (2024) for solo guitar and electronics
Further information: Anna Huuskonen-Kuhlefelt, anna.huuskonen-kuhlefelt@uniarts.fi
Young artists of summer
The concert series presents recent graduates and students of the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki who have excelled in their studies.
Mannerheimintie renovation project
Access to the Musiikkitalo from the direction of Mannerheimintie will be difficult. We recommend that you allow enough time for your arrival and use the entrance on the side of Kansalaistori if possible. According to current information, the entrance to Mannerheimintie will also remain in use throughout the renovation, but pedestrian routes can be challenging at times.
Tickets to Musiikkitalo concerts and other events are available to purchase on our website, by telephone and at our physical box office.
Book tickets for 10–20 or more people is by contacting group sales service by email at ryhmat@musiikkitalo.fi or by telephone on 0600 411 101 (Monday to Friday, 9:00–15:00).
How about a cup of coffee, a bite to eat or a glass of bubbly during the interval? Order your drinks in advance to beat the queues and make the most of your concert visit.
Our location could not be more central or easier to get to. Almost all forms of Helsinki public transport stop right outside our doors, cycle parking is provided at all our entrances, and Aimo Park Finlandia, our nearest multi-storey car park, offers lift access directly to our main foyer.
At Helsinki Music Centre we are proud to be an accessible and welcoming place for everyone. Tactile handrails and signage have been fitted across the building, and there are tactile indicator strips on the floor too to guide partially sighted and blind visitors. Induction loops are always available, and guide or companion dogs are of course permitted within the building.
Concert Hall
The route to your seat is always printed on your ticket. Check the door number to find out which entrance to take. The seating areas are marked with letters. There is level access to all wheelchair seats from the main entrances. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with our venue – our staff are always on hand to help you find your seat.
Black Box, Camerata and Sonore
Use the row number printed on your ticket to find your seat. Wheelchair seats are situated on the same level as the entrance. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with our venue – our staff area always on hand to help you find your seat.
Unallocated seating
Please choose your seat on the day.
Floor plans
You can view our floor plans before your visit.
Cloakroom
We ask you to leave your coat and any larger items in the cloakroom. The cloakroom is free of charge.
Latecomers
Latecomers will be asked to wait until a suitable break in the performance or admitted after the interval.
Photography
You are not permitted to record concert performances at Helsinki Music Centre. However, you may take photographs before and after the concert and during applause. Individual concert organisers may have their own, more detail guidance regarding recording and photography.
Dress code
We’re happy to say we have no dress code at Helsinki Music Centre, and we positively encourage you to come as you are. However, we would be grateful if you could avoid wearing strong perfume during your visit so that people with asthma and fragrance sensitivity can enjoy our concerts symptom free.
