New Album Himmelskygge Brings Together Norway’s Leading Contemporary Musical Voices
Hege Høisæter – mezzo-soprano
Jorunn Marie Bratlie – piano
Kari Telstad Sundet – electronics
Ola Grindbakken – drums
Theis Jakob – bass
Tov a Vot – Vetle Nærø (piano/keys)
Album: Himmelskygge
Label: LAWO Classics
The acclaimed mezzo-soprano brings together classical tradition, electronics, and contemporary composition on an ambitious new release for LAWO Classics
Norwegian mezzo-soprano Hege Høisæter presents Himmelskygge, an ambitious and captivating new album that celebrates the richness and diversity of Norwegian contemporary song. Released by LAWO Classics, the recording brings together an exceptional group of performers and composers, creating a musical landscape where classical tradition, electronic textures, improvisation, and modern compositional voices meet.
Joined by pianist Jorunn Marie Bratlie, composer and electronic musician Kari Telstad Sundet, and the jazz ensemble Tov a Vot, Høisæter explores a repertoire that spans generations while showcasing the vitality of contemporary Nordic music. Tov a Vot—consisting of Vetle Nærø (piano/keys), Theis Jakob (bass), and Ola Grindbakken (drums)—play a significant role throughout the project, contributing not only as performers but also as composers of the album’s Two Dystopian Songs, bringing a fresh and genre-defying perspective to the release.
At the heart of Himmelskygge is The Drift, a striking song cycle by Kari Telstad Sundet based on texts by Emily Dickinson. Combining acoustic instruments, electronics, and expressive vocal writing, the work creates an immersive and deeply personal listening experience. Sundet’s dual role as both composer and performer lends a distinctive sonic identity to the album, reflecting its spirit of artistic collaboration and exploration.
The programme opens with Olav Anton Thommessen’s dramatic Cosima minnes, a powerful reimagining of Wagnerian material that sets the tone for the album’s adventurous journey. Works by Carl Gustav Sparre Olsen highlight the lyrical beauty of Norwegian poetry, while Tov a Vot’s Two Dystopian Songs offer a contemporary and thought-provoking perspective on modern life. The recording concludes with Gisle Kverndokk’s luminous Ave Verum, bringing a sense of reflection and transcendence to the programme.
Throughout Himmelskygge, musical boundaries dissolve as established composers and emerging voices come together in a shared artistic conversation. The album presents a compelling portrait of Norwegian contemporary song today—one that embraces tradition while continually seeking new forms of expression.
With Himmelskygge, Hege Høisæter and her collaborators invite listeners into a world of imagination, emotion, and innovation, demonstrating the remarkable breadth and creativity of contemporary Norwegian music.
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