The Norwegian Soloists' Choir and tomorrow's conductors

A unique energy arises when the professional singers of The Norwegian Soloists’ Choir meet some of Europe’s most talented young conductors.

This season, the choir is delighted to collaborate with Jonas Skjeflo and Tom Varl, who with this concert complete their master’s degree in choral conducting at the Norwegian Academy of Music.

The programme reflects humanity’s search for meaning – from unrest and darkness to hope and light – through music that spans time and tradition.

We hear works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Sven-David Sandström, Eva Holm Foosnæs, Gustav Mahler and Klara Mlakar.

Part I: Bach, Sandström and Foosnæs

The first part of the concert is conducted by Jonas Skjeflo. We will hear Bach’s motet Lobet den Herrn.

“The song of praise in music is not always a shout of joy. Sometimes it is a quiet breath, a question, or a movement toward something we do not fully understand. Throughout the ages, we have turned toward the light, toward hope, toward that which is greater than ourselves.”

Inspired by Bach’s motets, Sven-David Sandström composed six new ones, intended to be sung alongside the originals. His work carries clear references to Bach, yet it expands the choir’s full range of expression, creating music that feels alive and deeply relevant to today’s listeners.

Between Bach and Sandström, Eva Holm Foosnæs’ Mass for Refugees is heard – a powerful and expressive work that takes its starting point in the plight of Syrian refugees.

Part II: Becker, Lachenmann, Flem, Mlakar, Lo Pinto

The second part of the concert, conducted by Tom Varl, continues the musical journey inward – into the human inner landscape, towards clarity and transformation. Darkness here is not understood as the opposite of light, but as a state in which we learn to see more deeply.

“For me, light is more than a symbol – it is a life-giving force, a foundation that gives meaning to everything around us. Light heals, unites, and keeps the world alive. But light cannot exist without darkness; only through darkness can it truly shine.”

Program

Albert Becker: Bleibe, Abend will es werden
Helmut Lachenmann: Consolation II
Kjell Flem: Natten
Klara Mlakar: New work
Federica Lo Pinto: Soleil