Hanna Kulenty: GG Concerto
The upcoming Holland Dance Festival 2026 is set to feature the world premiere of “Wildsong,” a program that includes a new work by choreographer Jan Martens, set to Hanna Kulenty’s “GG Concerto” for harpsichord and strings. Scheduled from February 4 to 6, 2026, at Amare in The Hague, this performance highlights the collaboration between contemporary dance and modern classical music.
Hanna Kulenty’s “GG Concerto,” composed in 2009, is a composition for harpsichord and string orchestra. The piece is noted for its rhythmic complexity and dynamic interplay between the harpsichord and strings, offering a contemporary perspective on the harpsichord’s role in modern music. The concerto has been recorded by harpsichordist Gośka Isphording with the NFM Leopoldinum Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Ernst Kovacic.
In “Wildsong,” Jan Martens pairs Kulenty’s “GG Concerto” with Julia Wolfe’s “Pretty,” another composition known for its energetic and rebellious character. Martens’ choreography is recognized for its bold and abstract style, often closely intertwined with contemporary music. This collaboration aims to create a performance that celebrates endurance, resistance, and rebellion, reflecting the dynamic nature of both the music and the dance.
The performances will be accompanied live by the Dutch Ballet Orchestra, conducted by Matthew Rowe, with Gośka Isphording on harpsichord. This live accompaniment is expected to enhance the immersive experience of the performance, bridging the gap between the auditory and visual elements of the show. The inclusion of “Wildsong” in the Holland Dance Festival underscores the festival’s commitment to presenting innovative and interdisciplinary works that push the boundaries of traditional dance and music collaborations.
- Composer(s) Hanna Kulenty
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Title(s) of the Work(s)
GG Concerto
for harpsichord and strings - Performer, Ensemble or Orchestra Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT), Dutch Ballet Orchestra
