Northern Lights and nature's sounds illuminate 'AURORA' concert

The "AURORA" concert, a highlight of the "17th International Istanbul Opera and Ballet Festival," captivated audiences with a program inspired by the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights and the profound sounds of nature. Presented by the State Polyphonic Choir in collaboration with the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet (İDOB) at the Atatürk Cultural Center, the concert offered a unique artistic experience.

The program featured a diverse selection of works from composers including Henriette Renie, Eriks Esenvalds, Raimund Tiguls, Eric Whitacre, Bodvar Moe, and Veljo Tormis. Esenvalds' "Stars" was a notable piece, utilizing resonant glass bowls and evocative stage and lighting design to visually represent the aurora borealis. The State Polyphonic Choir performed Veljo Tormis' "Curse Upon Iron" in Turkish, a piece drawing from Kalevala tradition that critically examines humanity's relationship with war and violence.

Further enriching the concert, Eric Whitacre's "Cloudburst" recreated the atmosphere of a rainstorm using human voices, applause, and body percussion. Bodvar Moe's arrangement of the Swedish folk song "Trilo" added another layer to the musical tapestry. The concert spanned a wide musical spectrum, from archaic sounds to contemporary choral repertoire, ultimately exploring the multifaceted relationship between humanity and the natural world.