Nico Muhly

Composer

“Muhly develops musical ideas without being constrained by elements like plotting and vocal setting, as in the operas. …, like Debussy, he seems motivated by the sounds of the instruments themselves. They tell him where to go.”

Biography

When our producer, Harald, walked through Oslo with Nico Muhly after a concert a few years ago, something happened that really surprised him. Twice, Nico was stopped and recognized on the street. In Oslo. This had never happened even with some of the biggest artists.

But then you start reading more about this American composer and realize there must be something about him. How else do you explain a long-term development collaboration with Philip Glass, commissioned works for the largest orchestras, collaborations with artists like Björk, and some of the world’s biggest ballet companies? It is perhaps not surprising that Tine’s accomplice, Pekka, has a close relationship with Nico. Both are known for challenging the status quo.

Many are somewhat religious when it comes to what “classical music” is. Fortunately, Risør has in its mandate that we must also support contemporary music, and thereby also the music of the future. Why? Because what is created today will eventually also become “classical.” Nico Muhly has already established himself as someone we’ll all talk about and listen to in 100 years. You will find out why this summer.