The Magic of the Moment with Eriksen and Nordbakken
RESPONSIVE
Text & photo: Mikal Vassbotn
On October 18, the stage is set for a unique gathering of performing artists in the brand-new concert concept LYDHØR. We sat down for a chat with newcomer, recording artist, and host of LYDHØR, Torun Eriksen.
“The concept came about because it was something we felt was missing ourselves,” says Torun on this crisp autumn day in September in the foyer of Kilden.
Together with her partner Hilde Nordbakken, she is the creator of the concept “LYDHØR,” which premieres at Kilden on October Kilden . Although she is one of the two women behind the concept, it is difficult to describe “LYDHØR” in just a few words—and that, according to Torun, is part of the point.
“We believe we’ve come up with something clever that hasn’t been done before. Many of us want to dive deeper, not just scratch the surface. At Lydhør, we’re going to take the time to delve deeper, not rush on,” says Torun.
LYDHØR invites the audience into a new and unique concert format centered around a combination of music and conversation. The idea for the concept wasn’t hatched in a dimly lit jazz club, but originated in a well-lit classroom not far fromperforming arts centre Kilden performing arts centre.
Both Torun and Hilde—or Eriksen and Nordbakken—teach at UiA, and that is exactly where the idea originated.
“We work at the Department of Rhythmic Music and often experience the combination of concert and reflection, but this largely takes place in closed forums. Here, the audience is given a unique opportunity to join in an exclusive conversation—and concert—between performing artists,” says Torun, before continuing.
“There’s a lot of talk about letting the audience participate in what’s happening on stage, but that often ends up being something interactive, something digital—maybe an app. But here, we want to create a strong sense of togetherness in a space that exists in the moment—not later, but right here and now. I think that’s unique,” says Torun.
Vulnerable
“We want to offer an exclusive glimpse into the process of creating music. It may be ambitious, but we’re really eager to try and take the audience along for the ride. Performing is vulnerable, but perhaps it’s even more vulnerable to talk about the process and the journey leading up to it,” says Torun.
For many performing musicians, an interview setting is nothing new, but Torun emphasizes that this is a conversation where we meet as colleagues on music’s terms.
– My partner Hilde and I are in charge of LYDHØR; we’re the ones extending the invitation. That’s why it’s important for us to create a safe space with clear boundaries regarding what we’re doing and what we want to achieve with this. It’s a bit like playing and creating together—we’re there for each other and we’ve got each other’s backs.
Given the numerous references to being a performing artist, it might be natural to ask whether LYDHØR is exclusively for artists or people with stage experience.
“I think it’s easier to relate to if you’re a performing artist, but at the same time, there are some fairly universal traits that can be applied to other industries where you put yourself out there in one way or another—and that could be anything,” Torun reassures us.
Hilde and Torun
Several times during the interview, Torun mentions her partner and collaborator Hilde. She is a natural part of the conversation and the concept, and it seems as though the two of them have a long history together, though not as artists.
“Hilde and I haven’t done anything musical together before. We’ve wanted to for a long time, but the time wasn’t right—until now. We’ve worked together for many years, but as educators, not as performing musicians. The reason we’re doing this now is because we really want to, and because this is something we’ve missed,” says Torun.
When Torun starts talking about Hilde, she speaks more quickly and gestures more; it’s clear that she has a deep respect for Hilde on both a personal and professional level.
“I admire her musical talents just as much as her personality,” Torun says with a smile, before continuing.
– We don’t facilitate these meetings; we’re simply present in the moment and bring ourselves to the table. That’s why it’s important that the two of us complement each other, while also making room for a third person—our guest.
Fall is the season for culture
Autumn has now truly arrived in Southern Norway, and with its location on the waterfront—with the Skagerrak as one of its closest neighbors—performing arts centre Kilden performing arts centre isperforming arts centre to stormy weather. It is perhaps precisely this kind of weather that can help draw audiences into a dark, cozy, and intimate auditorium and encourage them to set aside time for meaningful conversation.
– LYDHØR is suitable for any time of year, but I have to admit that this is a particularly good season to introduce the concept. After all, we want to create a bubble or an intimate space together with the audience, so it’s not a bad idea to do it in the fall
Future ambitions
LYDHØR will hold its first two concerts this fall, first featuring Thom Hell and then Frida Ånnevik as guests. According to Torun, there are already discussions about further developing the concept after this fall’s two concerts, but she isn’t ready to reveal who might be on the lineup for LYDHØR’s next season just yet.
