a passage through

KajaBjørntvedt

composer soundartist

biog

biography

Kaja Bjørntvedt is a sound artist and composer who creates electro-acoustic soundscapes for performances within contemporary dance, theatre, art-installations and films, as well as writing acoustic music for various ensembles. In her work she explores the connection between sounds, movements and visuals, as well as searching for different ways of presenting music to an audience. She studied music in Norway before moving to England for her Bachelor in Music, and later a Masters in Composition. In 2008 Kaja co-founded Midnight Orange Productions where she serves as artistic director and composer. The company creates and performs original work mixing music and movement with other art forms such as theatre, visual arts and creative writing. Apart from creating new pieces with her company, she is currently composing for the Ibsen Stage Company in London and writing music for a documentary by Vardo Films, as well as taking other commissions. This year she will feature in the International Alliance for Women in Music Congress in Arizona with pieces within the electroacoustic genre. Her music is published by Musikk-Husets Forlag and her music is included in the Trinity Guildhall Graded Exams Sullabus. Her works have had international performances in the United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Germany, Sweden and Norway, including broadcasts on British, and Norwegian National Radio.

works ELECTRO ACOUSTIC Tubanitis (2011) for electronics and live Tuba. Investigates the possibilities and sounds of the Tuba. Duration: 8 minsWill be premiered at South Street Baptist Church, July 2011 A Passage Through (2010) for tape only. Recordings by flautist carla Rees. Duration: 6 minsPremiered in Shoreditch Church, London, September 2010A connection between two people, a pathway from one world to another. A Passage Through is a homage to all those who have, and still are, fighting for the right to come and go freely somewhere, to someoneSkye Sketch (2010) - for tape only. Based on sounds found at the Island of Skye, mixed into a meditative and curious soundscore. Duration: 5min. Premierd in Portree, April 2010Clock Voicing (2009) - for tape only. Playing with rhythms in speech and bending the strict ticking of a clock. Duration: 10minBreathing Wind (2008) - for tape only, soundscore used for contemporary dance. Duration: 5min. Premiered at Siobhan Dance Space, London, May 2008
ACOUSTIC MUSIC CHAMBERPrepared Impromptu (2010) - for oboe and piano. Premiered by Ben Marshall and Marcus Andrews in June 2010Duality Connection (2010) - duo for C flute and Alto flute (listen). Premierd in Brighton St George's Church, June 2010Patterned Thoughts (2010) - solo MbiraSkye Light (2010) - trio for alto flute, bassoon and celloContraSpace (2010) - for alto flute and tapeA Fable of Venus (2009) - chamber orchestra. Premiered at Trinity College of Music, April 2009 Priori Incantatem (2009) - violin and piano (listen) Premiered at Trinity College of Music, March 2009 Musical Kunsthaus (2009) - solo violin. Premiered at Blackheath Halls, January 2009 System Seks Noter (2008) - solo cello, in 2 movements (listen). Premiered at Trinity College of Music, April 2008qFp (2008) - for two clarinets in 3 movements. Premierd in The Café Gallery Southwark Park, April 2008Reminiscence of Springar (2007) - for string quartet in 2 movements. Premiered in Trinity College of Music, October 2007Musical Intravenous (2007) - bass clarinet and piano ORCHESTRAL Where the Sound Falls (2010)But the Curtain Never Stood Still (2009) Premiered at Trintiy College of Music, March 2009Lost Title (2009) Premiered at Trintiy College of Music, June 2009Found Title (2008) PIANOOde to Oda (2011) - suite for solo piano in four movementsPuckish Piano (2009) - for prepared piano. Premiered in Blackheath Halls, London, June 2009Three Short Interludes for Piano (2009)Premiered in St Alfege Church London, April 2009 Playful Pieces (2005) - book of ten pieces for six-hands piano. Premiered in Oslo, May 2005Piquant Pieces (2007) - book of ten pieces for six-hands piano (listen). Premiered in Oslo, Norway, June 2007VOCAL Sunstone (2007) - choir SATB. Premiered at Blackheath Halls, London, November 2007 Fijar en Piedra (2008) - two male voices a cappella; tenor and bariton (see video). Made in collaboration with choreographer Tony Thatcher to accompany art exhibition at Dilston Grove. Premiered in The Café Gallery Southwark Park, April 2008.See recording of performance in the media sectionGuapa Oapa (2008) - soprano (extended techniques) and piano BRASSOM quiet meditation (2008) - brass dectet, part of a Falklands Requiem (listen). Premiered in The Painted Chapel, London, December 2008Reminiscence (2009) - trombone and voice. Premiered in Blackheath Halls, London, June 2009

works

STAGE WORK & COLLABORATIONSLady from the Sea (2011) - collaboration with Terje Tveit and Ibsen Stage Company. Premiere in London, fall 2011Out of Focus (2011) - composed the soundscore for the documentorary 'Out of Focus' by Vardo FilmsSilver Space (2010) - a Midnight Orange Production, contemporary dance and music. Premiered at Exeter Phoenix, Devon, November 2010Moon Miner (2010) - collaboration with artist Karen Tang, an interdisciplinary art performance and installation that presents a nocturnal spectacle of Space. Premered at Dalston Superstore, London, October 2010Dzengerera - to circle purposfully (2010) - collaboration with choreographer & dancer Sophie Arstall produced by Midnight Orange Productions. This duet is a piece using the simple, yet hypnotic sound of the Zimbabwean instrument Nyunga nyunga. Premiered in the Big Dance Bubble at Greenwich World Cultural Festival, July 2010Silver Space Film (2010) - made in collaboration with choreographer & dancer Sophie Arstall, filmed by Annette Remler, artwork by Karen Tang, produced by Midnight Orange ProductionsMoon Miner Film (2010) - made in collaboration with choreographer & dancer Sophie Arstall, filmmaker Kamran Qureshi and artist Karen Tang The Ever After Melody (2010) - mixing innovating storytelling, physical theatre and visuals with a musical score combining contemporary but accessible piano music, tuned percussion, bells, kitchen sounds and other curious instruments. Premiered in November 2010 We wear the same trousers (2010) - soundscore for contemporary dance. Premiered at The Place in February 2010 by Midnight Orange Productions Music stands (2009) - electroacoustic and solo clarinet. Premeried in Blackheath Halls, June 2009 by Midnight Orange Productions Wind of Ash (2008) - soundscore for contemporary dancepiece. Premiered in Kunsthaus 77, Berlin, July 2008 Dont look at me (2008) - electroacoustic for contemporary dance; Ushinawareta Onna, choreography by Minami Tamagawa. Pemiered at The Place, London, February 2008Robin Hood and Marion (2006) - theatrical suite for choir, solo voice and piano. Premiered at Svelvik Theatre, Norway, May 2006
RECORDINGSYour world, Alice watts (2008) - session pianistThe ABRSM Songbooks (2008) - voiceThe Official Falklands Requiem (2008) - composerThe Lawn, demo (2008) - pianoPiquant Pieces (2007) - composerPlayful Pieces (2005) - composer and pianist

agenda

future

Oct 2011An opportunity arised to move to Hong Kong where I can continue working on my current commissions, alongside with exploring the art scene10 Dec 2011Screening film version of T.H.I.R.S.T by Kate March and Kaja Bjorntvedt. i-Dance Festival Hong KongFebruary 2012Coming soon at Experimenta Hong Kong :T.H.I.R.S.T (Kate March, Kaja Bjorntvedt, March Performance Group)The origin of this performance piece lies in a quest for quenching the thirsts of mind, body, and soul in the grit of contemporary, urban existence.Summer 2012, LondonPremiere of new production of The Lady from the Sea with Ibsen Stage Company. More info to come

past

1 Oct 2011Performances and concerts with The Archive; open studios at The Old Police Station Art Centre15 Sept 2011one of my pieces played in the "Help Carla" Gala inSt. Marylebone Parish Church, London - a benefit concert for renowned flautist and supporter of new music Carla Rees, who suffered badly as a result of the London riots (http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/aug/14/flautist-carla-rees-croydon-riot).14 - 25 Sept 2011Concerts in Flagstaff/Arizona and San Francisco, USMy electroacoustic music performed at the International Alliance for Women in Music Congress 201127 Sept 2011Performance at 'Watch this Space' at Exeter Northcott, UKNew piece by Midnight Orange Productions8 - 14 Aug 2011Residency at 'Dance in Devon; Making Space', in partnership with Exeter Northcott22 June - 1 Aug 2011Touring with WoCalling at festivals in Germany (Bielefeld, Dortmund, Berlin) and Norway (Moldejazz, Fjellfestivalen, Mela Festivalen)14 June 2011, Studio Theatre, Trinity College of MusicPremiere of 'Tubanitis' for Tuba and Tape, performed by Chris Gilbert10 June 2011, 2pm My music played at the radioshow Hildegard to Hildegard! 102.5 FM or listen online at www.soundartradio.org.uk31 March 2011, 6pmCOLOUFUL SOUNDS: piano and composition students of mine are performing in my annual student concert alngside art display by Mario Pires Cordeiro. This year's concert will be at St Catherine's Church on Telegraph Hill, London.4 March 2011, 7pm - Lauderdale House, N6 5HG LondonPieces from my book 'Piquant Pieces' with London Composers Forum in the concert Piano Plus.23 November 2010, Tuesday 8pm - Exeter PhoenixMy company Midnight Orange Productions is performing our new piece 'Silverscape' at 'Watch this Space'www.danceindevon.org.uk14 November 2010, Saturday - Time and venue TBCThe Ever After Melody - Performance of my piece for piano and narrators mixing music and sounds with visuals, physical theatre and innovating storytelling. Will be performed at Ekon Festival together with the result of workshops with Westminster secondary school. Supported by Westminster Arts.www.ekon.org.uk12 and 14 October 2010, Tuesday and Thursday 21:00Moon Miner - Soundinstallation and performanceArtist Karen Tang and the composer/ dancer team Kaja Bjorntvedt and Sophie Arstall of Midnight Orange Productions present two consecutive live events at the Dalston Superstore.Entry is free, press enquiries and RSVP to info_theagencygallery.co.uk or call 07932034971Venue: Dalston Superstore,117 Kingsland Street, London E8 2PB1 October 2010, Friday 14:00'Hildegard to Hildegard' is presenting my music on Soundart Radio 102.5 FMListen online: http://www.soundartradio.org.uk/18 September 2010, Saturday 19:30 - 21:30Premiere of new piece for electronics in rarescale Premiere Series 2010Venue: Shoreditch Church, Shoreditch High Street London E1 6JN - Tickets £10 at the doorwww.soundandmusic.org04 July 2010, Sunday 12:00 - 15:00Premiere of new production Dzengerera by Midnight Orange Company during the Greenwich World Cultural Festival.Venue: Eltham Palacewww.festival.org15 June 2010, Tuesday - 13:00Premiere of 'Prepared Impromtu' for oboe and piano, performed by Ben Marshall. Venue: Trinity College of Music, Greenwich, London.08 June 2010, Tuesday'Duality Connection' performed in Harpenden by Carla Rees and Laura Beardsmore.05 June 2010, Saturday - 13:00, St George's Church, St George's Road, BrightonPremiere of 'Duality Connection' - flute duo performed by Carla Rees on alto and Laura Beardsmore on C flute.16 April 2010, Friday 19:30, Aros, Isle of Skye IV51 9EU 'Skye Sketch' - new piece for tape performed in Scotland www.aros.co.ukApril 2010I am doing a composing residency at the Island of Skye in Scotland to work on electro-acoustic projects, funded by the PRS Foundation and Lisa Ullmann Travelling Scholarship Fund.Tuesday 16 March 2010, 2 pm, St. Nicholas School, Southend-on-Sea SS2 4RLPerformance directed and curated by actress Raya Myntevik and myself. This showing is a celebration of the work created through workshops, providing an opportunity for the participants to express themselves through drama, music and movement.Tuesday 16 March 2010, New Players Theatre, London WC2N 6NL'Music stands' by Midnight Orange ProductionsWe are performing during the festival See You Next Tuesday - which is part of the global V-Day movement to end violence against women and girls. Saturday 13 March 2010, 7:30pm, Sadlers Wells, London EC1R 4TN'Music stands' by Midnight Orange ProductionsWe are performing at Sadler's Wells in Big Dance Open Platformwww.sadlerswells.comTuesday 11 March 2010 - 7pmMy cello piece 'System Seks Noter' is being performed in Kunsu Shim's 'Collaborations' during the Borealisfestival in Bergen / NorwayFriday 19 February 2010, 8pm, Goodenough College, London WC1N 2AB'Music stands' by Midnight Orange ProducionsPerformance at TRA'LA's show Dead Time and Negative Space www.tralapresents.comWednesday 10 February 2010 - 8pm, The Place, London'We wear the same trousers' (premiere)New production by Midnight Orange Productions to be premiered at The Place in London, in collaboration with dancer Tom Goodwin. www.theplace.org.ukFriday 29 January 2010 - 8:00pm, The Octagon Chapel, Milsom Street, Bath'Music stands' by Midnight Orange Productions.We are performing at the opening of A Visual Dialogue - the new art exhibition presented by bo.lee. www.bo-lee.co.ukFriday 04 December 2009 8pm, Cube Microplex, Bristol.'Music stands' by Midnight Orange ProductionsWe will be performing as part of 'Ausform Platform of Performance'.www.microplex.cubecinema.comTuesday 24 November 2009 8pm, Exeter Phoenix, Devon.Performance of 'Music stands' as part of 'Watch This Space' - presented and created by Midnight Orange Production. 'Music stands' is an exploration of roles and measures of control between the director and performer, composer and choreographer. It mixes an original composed electro-acoustic soundscore, contemporary dance and physical theatre. 'Music stands' is a collaboration between Kaja Bjørntvedt (composer, performer and director) and Sophie Alyette Arstall (choreographer, dancer and director). For tickets and more information: www.danceindevon.org.ukMonday 08 June 2009, Blackheath Halls, London. Final performance in of my Masters portfolio from Trinity College of Music. www.blackheathhalls.comWednesday 20 May 2009, St John's Notting Hill, London.'International Composition Competition 09 Chromatico- my piece 'Musical Kunsthaus' performed by Chromatico Ensemble and Alda Dizdari (violin).Tuesday 28 April 2009My piece 'Lost Title' for chamber orchestra performed by TCM Contemporary Music Group; Runswick Competition. Friday 24 April 2009, Trinity College of Music, various rooms'The Mus(e)ic Rooms' - new performances by the masters composition students at Trinity College of Music.Thursday 02 April 2009, St Alfege Church, Greenwich, London.Performance of my series of six-hands pieces 'Piquant Pieces' by pianists Marcelle Zahra, Stella Parlavantza and Kristin Sofroniou.03 March 2009, Blackheath Halls, LondonPerformance of my orchestral piece 'But the Curtain Never Stood Still'.Friday 13 March 2009, Trintiy College of Music, LondonMy piece 'Priori Incantatem' for violin & piano performed by Darrah Morgan (violin) and Mary Dullea (piano).Thursday 26 March 2009, Grieg Academy (NO)I am performing 'Trace Elements' by Kunsu Shim with Mark Knoop and Michael Finnissy at the Borealis Fesitval. http://borealisfestival.no/2009Friday 27 March 2009, Bergen Public Library (NO)Performing with Ricardo Odriozolain and 'Soundpainting' during the Borealis Festival.Saturday 28 March 2009, Logen, Bergen (NO)Performing 'Spem in Alium' by Thomas Tallis, transcribed for 16 harmoniums performed on a special build Organtower.Sunday 29 March 2009, Bergen Cathedral (NO)Performing and directing Micheal Finissy's 'Molly-House'. http://borealisfestival.no/2009Thursday 29 January 2009, Blackheath Halls, London.'Metamorphosen' composition for string orchestrawww.blackheathhalls.com02 December 2008'OM - quiet meditation' part of the Falklands requiem premiered at The Painted Chapel, Greenwich, London.31 May 2008Performing at 'Interlace' at Goldsmiths, London.09 May 2008Two of my compositions showcased at Siobhan Dance Studios, London. 'Organ Stories' with dancer Thomas Goodwin, and 'Ushinawareta Onna' with dancer minami Tamagawa.www.siobhandavies.com02 May 2008'Healthy and Rude' - compositions performed at Trinity College of Music20 April 2008, The Café Gallery Southwark Park, London'Octave Stance' - compositions for voice and clarinetswww.cafegalleryprojects.com22 November 2007'Sunstone' - premiere of my piece for choir at Blackheath Halls, London.

media

Music stands

Tubanitis

tracks

Out of Focus

OM quiet meditation

electro acoustic

tuba & tape

solo piano

We wear the same trousers

From performance at The Place, London Feb 2009

Choreography / dance by Sophie Arstall and Thomas Goodwin, music by Kaja Bjorntvedt

brass dectet

media

Silver Space

Music and direction by Kaja Bjorntvedt,

choreography / dance by Sophie Arstall,

filmed by Anette Remler, artwork by Karen Tang

Fijar en Piedra - made in collaboration with choreographer Tony Thatcher

Music by Kaja Bjorntvedt, choreography by Tony Thatcher

Dancer: Ina Dokmo, singers: Dario Dugandzic & Jose Renato Cordeiro, Filmmaker: Richard Coldman

shop
Piquant Piecesfor six-hands pianosequel to Playful Pieces; both offering ensemble opportunities for pianists.Ensemble playing creates a fun and stimulating setting for students to develop skills vital to their growth as musicians. Each part of the compositions in Piquant Pieces is equally important and the students will enjoy seeing how their contribution is vital to the piece as a whole. The pieces will provide valuable experience in several key musical skills such as leading, counting-in, interaction, balancing, and blending with others. Piquant Pieces allow the students to improve their musical ear as well as their technical abilities combining to make mastery of these pieces incredibly beneficial.Published by Musikk-Husets ForlagFront cover design by Hilde Catrine KjepsoCD recorded by Marcelle Zhara, Kristin Sofroniou and Stella Parlevantsa
No Frame

shop

Playful Piecesfor six-hands pianoFrom the foreword: Through my experience as a piano teacher, I have seen how important it is to train the student´s musical understanding. Using ensemble pieces the students learn to listen to themselves but also to the others in the group. The piano is often regarded as a solo-instrument and it is a challenge for us piano teachers to create an instructive ensemble. With this in mind, I have composed piano pieces for six hands.Published by Musikk-Husets ForlagFront cover design by Hilde Catrine KjepsoCD recorded by Kaja Bjorntvedt, Marcelle Zhara and Ben Keohane
No Frame

Buy Now

Each book cotains 10 pieces for six-hands piano and comes

with a CD. Can also be bought on Norsk Noteservice AS

For purchase of any other scores / recordings please use contact form or send a request to info_kajabjorntvedt.com

gallery

gallery in progress...

contact

Feedback and enquiries are welcomed and will be responded to as soon as possible. I am available for new commissions of any size, accompaniment or solo performance. Also, if you are interested in taking music lessons, or booking me or one of my companies for an event, please don´t hesitate to contact me.

And drop me an email if you would like to be added to my mailing list!

info_kajabjorntvedt.com

Mobile UK: (+44) (0) 787 044 7169

Mobile Norway: (+47) 9773 0647

home

biog

works

agenda

media

shop

gallery

contact