Through challenging vocals and innovative piping, this programme explores the persistence of various cultures, traditions, and sounds.

Renowned experimental vocalist Maja S. K. Ratkje and Ume Saami singer Katarina Barruk will present “Avant Joik,” a piece that explores and experiments with joik (a Saami vocal tradition). Ratkje’s extensive discography includes the acclaimed Voice (2002), which consists solely of timbres constructed from her experimental vocal techniques. Barruk has emerged as a vital voice in the persistence of her native Ume Saami language – a moribund tongue with approximately 10 native speakers left today. 

Breton piper Erwan Keravec has been weaving folk lineages of bagpipes into contemporary music. With his most recent “Sonneurs” project, Keravec has invited composers such as Wolfgang Mitterer and Susumu Yoshida to explore how the cultural and sonic identities of the Breton bagpipe family can be reshaped. The series features two of Britanny’s historic piping instruments alongside the Scottish bagpipe (a relative newcomer to Brittany), and the trelombard, ultimately forming an unconventional ensemble. In Keravec’s words, “Perhaps, one day, this ensemble will become part of the Western erudite music tradition – who knows?”  

Maja S. K. Ratkje & Katarina Barruk appear thanks to support from the Up Node network. Erwan Keravec is supported by le Bureau Export, and the SHAPE platform which is funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.