Lopphavet // Geir Johnsen // Arktisk Sinfonietta // Marion Palmer & Sigmund Sæverud [RU/NO]

The Opening Concert for the 2016 Barents Spektakel is the world premiere of Geir Johnsens composition «Lopphavet». The production is a musical journey through Finnmark’s dramatic war history, performed by Arktisk Sinfonietta with spoken word recitals by Marion Palmer and Sigmund Sæverud.

The production tells the story of the period from October to November 1944 when retreating German forces laid waste to much of the region. During that autumn, German soldiers burned down or destroyed an almost unimaginable number of structures – the staggering totals include; 11,000 houses, 6,000 farms, 4,700 barns, 27 churches, 306 fish processing factories, 106 schools, 350 bridges, 350 motor boats and 180 lighthouses. This destruction was followed by the forcible evacuation of 75,000 inhabitants from Finnmark.

Behind this tally of destroyed infrastructure are the human stories from the period. The author Marion Palmer and actor Sigmund Sæverud recount these personal stories as part of the performance. The stories are based on the accounts of people affected by the evacuation of Finnmark – their fears about the uncertain future which lay before them as they left their homes and livelihoods behind.

Reflecting on this history through music, as well as through readings of eye witness accounts from the period, helps to cast new light on today’s global refugee crises and builds a connection to one of Finnmarks darkest and most traumatic chapters in history.

Wednesday 10/02

19:00

• 1/2 Orchestra [RU]
• All
• Fay Wildhagen [NO]