Togetherness (2021)

Commissioned by Strijkkwartet Biennale Amsterdam

Togetherness explores the experience of isolation in the pandemic lockdown that began in 2020, and the joy of physically reconnecting afterwards.

Lockdown was a challenging experience for everyone, and many experienced painful isolation. In a time of so much grief and loss, it was particularly hard to be unable to embrace loved ones, or to be in the same room with them. It was devastating for musicians, robbed of a live audience, and of the chance to make music together. Music-making became a private matter: although there were valiant attempts to create online choirs and orchestras, the internet turned out to have great limitations, especially in the inevitable delay between participants. The myriad ways we respond to each other in ensemble performance became impossible.

In the first part of Togetherness the players are physically separated as far as possible in the performing space. The players can communicate in many ways: they can respond to each other; they can ‘converse’ across distance; they can harmonise, empathise with each other. They can share feelings of grief. But they cannot share a pulse: fast, intricate, rhythmic ensemble playing is impossible; and even in slow music, true unanimity cannot be achieved.

In the second part it is finally safe for all the players come together on stage, in their usual close configuration. And now there is an explosion of delight: the joy of togetherness, of feeling and sharing a common pulse. There is fast rhythmic music, playfulness and dance. And there is the serene tranquillity of a shared intimacy where each can feel the other’s breath. There are memories of recent painful experiences, but they no longer hurt so much.

Togetherness is dedicated to the memory of Graham Vick, a dear friend and one of the world’s leading opera directors, who died of Covid in 2021. It was originally commissioned to open the 2022 Strijkkwartet Biennale Amsterdam, but unfortunately a resurgence of Covid-19 meant that the entire festival had to be cancelled. The World Premiere takes place in Arnhem with Quartet Quiroga on 11 January 2024, with further performances in Leiden (12 January) and Amsterdam (13 January).