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A transcultural journey for harp, voice, electronics and visuals – Traditional meets experimental

Application summary

A transcultural journey for harp, voice, electronics and visuals consists of the creation of a voice and harp concert and concept developed by the investigation on how the traditional (voice accompanied by a harmonic instrument) meets the experimental (electronics and visuals) and how this interdisciplinary collaboration between artists from Finland and Colombia brings an innovative sonic and visual experience as a result of their encounters. This concept and concert aim at promoting versatility, the creation of a third space for a new harp concert format and the coexistence between the known and the unknown: Colombian folk songs that will be presented in a format arranged for voice, lever harp, Colombian harp, electronics and visuals as well as my own compositions for lever harp and llanera harp. Also, this work will focus on the use of contrasting approaches on my harp playing including conventional ways of using the instrument as well as using extended techniques and preparations on my instrument in order to investigate and promote its versatility as an instrument and sound object. There will be 3 different concerts in Finland featuring guest musicians and a graffiti artist.

A transcultural journey for harp, voice, electronics, and visuals – Traditional meets experimental
consisted of the creation of a voice and harp concert format and concept developed by the investigation on how the traditional (voice accompanied by a harmonic instrument) meets the experimental (electronics and visuals accompanying Colombian folk songs) and how this interdisciplinary collaboration between artists from Finland and Colombia brings an innovative sonic and visual experience as a result of their encounters.

This project was led by Natalia Castrillón in the role of a composer, singer, arranger, performer, and producer in collaboration with the visual artist Paola Guzmán and electronic musician Alejandro Olarte who worked part-time 25%.

The final result of this project was presented in three different venues with the following guest artists:

Topi Korhonen: Guitar, mandolin, vocals
Viv magia ( Viivi Vierinen): Live Painting
Sergio Castrillón: Cello performer, vocals.

Performance 1
Took place in August 2021
Performance's name: Performance for harp, voice, and live painting.
Natalia Castrillón and Viv Magia
Galleria Kasvihuone

Performance 2
October 2021
Performance's name: Castrillón-Olarte-Guzmán
Sininen Huone Lapinlahti, Lapinlahden-lähde.

Performance 3
November 2021
Performance's name: The Global harp, a transcultural journey
Natalia Castrillón, Alejandro Olarte, Paola Guzmán, Sergio Castrillón, Topi Korhonen
Etnosoi Festival 2021- Malmitalo.

The Covid situation as well the constant uncertainty and restrictions, created some challenges during the process which required some modifications. Despite the challenges, all the performances took place as planned. It was a successful and rewarding project that got positive feedback and was made in collaboration with other institutions (In addition to the guest artists) that made the production smoother for me and my teamwork. The freedom and the financial support provided for this project allowed our creativity to emerge from the challenging circumstances. Other values such as acceptance, dialogue, negotiations, and adaptation became essential during our process.

Thank you Kone for supporting artistic freedom!


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