Study for Life revolves around the desire for connection in a fragmented world, both in relation to others and to ourselves. Beginning from a dystopian and solitary landscape, the multidisciplinary piece gradually travels towards hope and a richer sensory spectrum.
Blending elements of a dance piece, concert and sound installation, the work immerses and merges them into one synesthetic experience. With the audience seated in a 360-degree arrangement around the stage, the creation invites the audience to physically enter Saariaho’s textured musical world. Connections with others are formed and unraveled as both dancers and musicians share the space, moving and gliding through the shifting currents of light.
In total, the evening includes four of Saariaho’s early compositions: Study for Life (1980), Petals (1988), Lichtbogen (1986), Attente and Parfum de l’instant (2002, from Quatre Instants). The four compositions are connected with Tuomas Norvio’s electronic music and sound design. Study for Life is a collaboration with Amsterdam-based Het Muziek (previously named Asko|Schönberg) ensemble. The scenography is by Fabiana Piccioli, Sander Loonen, and creation's costume designer Erika Turunen.
Before the performance, audiences can experience an introductory sound installation To Water by Tuomas Norvio in the audience foyer. The sound installation features a melting block of ice, and the manipulated sounds of it dripping and cracking spread through the space, offering an entry point into the world and themes of the piece. The installation is supported by Genelec.
The world premiere took place at Holland Festival in June 2025, followed by performances at Bregenzer Festspiele in July. The performance season at Dance House Helsinki will mark the creation’s Finnish premiere. The 360-degree seating structure will transform the Erkko Hall into an entirely new spatial experience, bringing the performance at times within almost tangible reach. Find more information about the seating structure here.
6 performances at Dance House Helsinki on 28 February – 7 March. Get your tickets here. We're hosting a post show discussion on Tuesday 3 March and on Thursday 5 March.
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