Music can express things that cannot be talked about. That is why it is such a powerful tool for resistance. And like music, resistance comes in different forms. It manifests itself differently in everyone. Some take action, others keep up appearances, but behind the scenes resist the injustice done to them.

In this program, Intercontinental Ensemble examines how today’s composers deal with resistance – and how recent developments can give new meaning to existing pieces.

In her piece, Armenian composer Aregnaz Martirosyan explores the impact of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict in 2020 has had on her life.

Dutch composer Bianca Bongers, in her new work “Surrounded by Air – Appearance IV,” questions how a silent, personal resistance to global injustice works. Intercontinental Ensemble is joined by percussion. This piece was made possible by a grant from the Fonds Podiumkunsten. Also on the program ‘September I’ for nonet by young Dutch composer Sarah Neutkens which was commissioned by Intercontinental Ensemble, originally composed for saxophone quartet.

The Intercontinental Ensemble closes with their own arrangement of Mendelssohn’s fourth symphony. It is a piece that contains all themes that have been challenged by the pandemic: Travel, village festivals, physical contact through dancing. Themes that seemed normal to us before but now have resulted in fierce discussions, resistance actions and protests in society since the pandemic began.

Concert is a part of the Grachten Festival.