The world premiere of Søren Nils Eichberg’s Lieder und Tänze vom Meer, commissioned by Theater Koblenz is happening on June 20, 2024 at the historic Florinskirche.
Søren Nils Eichberg’s new cantata delves deep into the ecological crises facing our planet. Inspired by the ocean’s historical role as a strong metaphysical and emotional symbol, Lieder und Tänze vom Meer addresses the sea’s role as both a vital component of Earth’s climatic and ecological systems and a stark symbol of the environmental threats we face.
Growing up close to the coast, the Ocean has always had a strong emotional impact on me. There is a sense of power, nature, beauty and endlessness. When you stand at the sea, especially when it is stormy, you feel that you have a direct connection with something that is bigger than yourself not just physically, but in every possible way. It is very close to a spiritual experience and I have tried to catch some of that in my piece.
- Søren Nils Eichberg
Conceived as a dance oratorium, the piece will be brought to life through the choreography of Steffen Fuchs, adding a visual dimension to the narrative. As climate change and ecological degradation become more pressing, Lieder und Tänze vom Meer serves as a reminder of the delicate balance in nature. The composition features a blend of mixed choir, percussion, string quartet, and organ, creating a soundscape that evokes the vastness and vulnerability of our oceans.
Søren Nils Eichberg is no stranger to the art of transforming thematic depth to music. Last year, Eichberg’s opera Oryx and Crake, based on Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel, was nominated for Best New Opera at the International Opera Awards.
Performance details
Dates: June 20-29, 2024
Location: Florinskirche, Koblenz
Theater Koblenz
Choreography: Steffen Fuchs
Find tickets at website of Theater Koblenz
