Wedge

Esa-Pekka Salonen’s compositions often appear to include a certain innate invitation for choreographic and performative narrative levels. His cello concerto has wonderful dynamics and cinematic elements. Simultaneously earthy, powerfully intimate and carnal, it also comprises transcendental layers. To me, it tells a story and inspires choreographic thoughts. The approach and eventual encounter between two people is a typical starting point to me, which gradually evolves into a conversation between an individual and the community – and eventually gives rise to the entire work.

Wedge alludes to changing and renewing elements, but also the growing feel- ing of disintegration and insecurity. Something is always wedged in the moment of serenity, disrupting the illusion of balance. At the other extreme, we have the pursuit of trust, the community, and co-creation.

In Wedge, people are in a kind of a transitional space on the highway of eternity. We quickly reached a consensus with costumer designer Erika Turunen and set and lighting designer Joonas Tikkanen about a colour palette of a myriad shades of grey. With Erika we also wanted every costume to bear subtle echoes and hints of different decades. Some of the costumes are in fact recycled. Wherever we end up, we carry memories in our bodies and clothes. In the lighting design, too, the movement of light and the continuous reshaping of these kind of “light islands” emphasises the transient nature of life and existence.

It is wonderful to perform with the symphony orchestra of the Finnish National Opera. Live music with the added flavour, sound and personality of two cello soloists enhance the rich narrative with yet another powerful layer. Live music intensifies the authenticity and density of time and space.”