Hugi Guðmundsson, Hilmar Jensson, Sverrir Guðjónsson, Matthias Hemstock, Joshue Ott

“Solar5: Journey to the Center of Sound” was composed and performed by Hugi Guðmundsson, Hilmar Jensson, Sverrir Guðjónsson, Matthias Hemstock with interactive visuals by Joshue Ott. The piece explores the boundaries between strictly composed material and real-time composition, between composition and performance and also between audience and performer. The composers come from very different backgrounds and genres (classical, jazz, free improvisation) and worked together on Solar5 for a period of over two years, collecting sound material from various sources, including hot water springs, sand, stones and voices under water. This material was then used as the base of the composition. The piece is a journey on several levels and is performed in five different places in the hall. The performers travel between five different stations, slowly waking each of them up until they have all come to life. At the end of the performance the stations continue to ring and the audience is invited to interact with them through motion sensors, iPads, home-made instruments etc., turning the performance into an interactive installation. Solar5 is a dynamic composition and for the premier it was adapted for the Harpa Concert Hall in Iceland, drawing inspiration from the building's spectacular glass facade. The performance and the creation of the piece were made possible by generous support from the following funds: Styrktarsjóður SUT and Ruthar Hermanns, Listamannalaun, 365 Miðlar.