Open the Water: an oratorio in three parts

Open the water: like a mouth , like a book , like a bottle , like the hands.

Part drone : part chime : part flower essence : part poemic. Open the water is, at its most foundational level, a conversation between friends–a glimpse into their secret language–a testament to Simone Weil’s assertion that “every separation is a link.”

Though thousands of miles apart, Chanelle and Lotta were first introduced to one another years ago via the world of flower essences (which is a world of water, resonance, poetry, and translation). Since then, their friendship and collaborative relationship has expanded and deepened–it now includes experiments with sound, voice, poetics, divination, and secrets. Thus, three of Lotta’s original flower essences become the anchoring chapters of the three movements in this performance piece, which the two orators give voice to.

The piece also features a looping, ever-present, and rhythmic drone which Chanelle created while recording on the home organ located on the lower level of Sibelius Museum. Periodically, Lotta pierces through the atmosphere like birdsong, with a chime or a tuning fork. This becomes a signal to the listener and the performers–it is where an essence enters and the link (language) begins.

The event will be held at Sibelius Museum’s Atrium. In the case of rain or severe heat, the event will be moved to the concert hall.

Doors 16.00, performance 16.30. Free entry.