Serena-Maneesh performed "Somnambulism" with a vocal choir at Issue Project Room (pics)
Serena-Maneesh “Somnambulism” @ IPR 4/26/2014
Anyone who came down to ISSUE Project Room on Saturday (4/26) to check out avant-garde Norwegian noise band Serena-Maneesh, expecting another loud rock show were in for a surprise. The one-off event, a part of Oslo’s Ultima Festival, was the U.S. premiere of “Somnambulism,” a tribute to influential electronic composer Arne Nordheim.
Accordionist Frode Haltli opened the set in the dark, church-like space, lit only by a tiny desk lamp. The audience then moved to the center of the room for Serena-Maneesh’s performance, where they surrounded the band and choir in what felt like a holy ceremony. A haunting combination of electronic sounds, humming, and gong, their set also featured projections by acclaimed artist Ingrid Pop.
This was definitely not the same sort of show we’ve seen before from Serena-Maneesh, but the combination of sounds, art, space, and audience participation provided a reminder of why they are difficult to explain, but a wonder to experience.
More pics from the Issue Project Room “Somnambulism” performance along with the show’s program (setlist), below…
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Frode Haltli
Sserena Maneesh
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Frode Haltli, solo accordion
Magnar Åm: On the Banks of the Eternal Second
Aldo Clementi: Ein kleines…
Hans Abrahamsen: Air
Arne Nordheim: Flashing
Serena-Maneesh & Vocal Ensemble: Somnambulism – NY Premiere, a tribute to Arne Nordheim.
With Emil Nikolaisen, Ådne Meisfjord, Kristian Rangnes, and Brede Rørstad;
Ingrid Pop & Frode Fjerdingstad (visuals).
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