From the IJ

Like Kaija Saariaho, Finnish sound artist Tuomas Norvio finds his inspiration in nature and in ‘found sounds’. For this concert, Norvio designed a special set-up: hydrophones dangling in the water around the Muziekgebouw capture live underwater sounds from the IJ and transmit them in real-time to the Kleine Zaal. This unique sound serves as the foundation for Norvio’s electronic soundscapes, creating a truly immersive sound experience. 

Tuomas Norvio has a background in electronic music, creating everything from atmospheric ambient and soundscapes to danceable beats. He still performs frequently in clubs, but is also active as a sound designer for theatre and for art projects. He collaborated with many of Finland’s most prominent musicians, from accordionist Kimmo Pohjonen to composer Esa-Pekka Salonen and violinist Pekka Kuusisto. In addition, Norvio is a permanent artist in residence at the dance company Tero Saarinen Company in Helsinki.

Special guest: John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones, a founding member and the legendary multi-instrumentalist of Led Zeppelin, has collaborated with a wide range of artists as a bandleader, arranger and composer since the early 1960s. 

Installation Spatial variations for a Hank drum
The sound of the hydrophones is also part of Norvio’s installation Spatial variations for a Hank drum in the Kleine Zaal, which can be visited for free independently of the concert.

Tip! Check out all the Saariaho Festival concerts and put together your own program, now at a discount of up to 25%.

Programme booklet (Dutch)