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Description
The principal objective of the project is to create and present a new music programme called One music. The result of exploration, a journey joining a series of activities called Reťazenie – Kjetting – Chaining, its title is One Music. Two internationally outstanding and highly individual ensembles of 10 members specialising in music before 1800s are joining the forces to create One music: Solamente Naturali from Slovakia and Barokksolistene from Norway. The Partner will bring to the project the Nordic music of the Vikings, of Nordic minorities (Sami, Gypsy), in a new approach to processing it into its current form. The Partner will also bring the know-how from concerts for secondary vocational schools and cultural management. The project is based on the common values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and the respect for human rights, including minorities'' rights applying the following measures: 1) selection of administrative and professional capacities involved and implementation of project activities respects the principle of gender equality and the principle of non-discrimination. 2) There is no unequal remuneration for equal work 3) there is no gender discrimination in the selection process in the target group 4) Project activities 1-3 are focused on work with minority music such as Roma. Part of the activities consists of direct involvement of young Roma artists and Roma pupils from socially excluded communities and children with special needs with the aim of their inclusion and empowerment.
Summary of project results
The aim of the project was to showcase the equal beauty of music across different nations, specifically from Slovakia and Norway, to deepen Slovak-Norwegian artistic collaboration and to contribute to anti-extremism efforts targeted at young people.
The objective was to expand upon the long-standing, two-decade collaboration between Solamente Naturali from Slovakia and Barokksolistene from Norway. This project provided a unique opportunity for extensive collaboration, combining the strengths of both ensembles along with contributions from Slovak and Norwegian composers to create and perform the "One Music" concert program. Together, the two ensembles - specialists in pre-1800 early music and composed of nine members - united to craft this program. This flexible partnership allowed us to bring in additional talent as needed for activities in Slovakia and Norway.
The aim was also to bring early music into the public eye, highlighting the rich musical and cultural heritage preserved in the archives of Slovak and Norwegian cities. Moreover, the focus was to share the traditional music of ethnic minorities, such as Roma, Jewish, Sami, and Viking communities with younger audiences from vocational schools, contributing to anti-extremism efforts by fostering inclusivity and understanding among demographic particularly vulnerable to extremist ideologies.
The project´objectives extended to supporting the artistic growth of young artists by involving students and teachers from art schools in Slovakia and Norway in the creative process of developing a concert program rooted in early music, focusing on artistic freedom and expression. Additionally, it was intended to offer film academy students the chance to document the two-year creative journey of the One Music project in a documentary. Ultimately, the goal was to prepare the concert program as a sustainable collaborative effort between both ensembles, with plans to produce a CD, documentary, and marketing materials to further promote the project.
The One Music project unfolded over two years, beginning in November 2021 and concluding in April 2024, with activities in both Slovakia and Norway. The main objective was to create and perform a unique music program, titled “One Music.” This program emerged as part of an exploratory journey, a series of interconnected activities named „Reťazenie – Kjetting – Chaining“.
The “One Music” repertoire comprises ancient and ethnic musical expressions from Slavic and Nordic cultures, sourced from archives of the cities in Slovakia and Norway. These traditional pieces were interpreted with the technical skills of historical performance practices, serving as an inspiration for new compositions by Norwegian composer Jon Balke and Slovak composers Michal Paľko and Daniel Matej. Their work harmonized with traditional music from ethnic minorities (Roma, Jewish, Nordic), weaving together the fabric of the “One Music” program.
Drawing on the roots of oral traditions and early musical manuscripts from both Slavic and Nordic countries, this program reimagined historical music in contemporary styles. It integrated a wide range of instruments, from ancient folk and historical classical to synthesized and experimental sounds. Since the 1990s, both ensembles have explored Nordic, Slavic, and pan-European folk and art music, developing expertise in Historically Informed Performance Practice (HIPP) to deepen appreciation for Europe’s rich musical heritage. Research, adaptation, improvisation, and collaboration were all essential elements in the creative process.
The „Reťazenie – Kjetting – Chaining“ concept grew from the various artistic activities and exchanges between musicians, students, and academics throughout the One Music experience. Key activities included researching “old music” in archives across Slovakia and Norway, led by Miloš Valent and Bjarte Eike. This archival music was creatively processed by all ensemble members through joint rehearsals. New compositions, such as „Cinque Ritornelli per ensemble ad libitum“ by Daniel Matej, „Contexts (few melodies of common consciousness)“ by Michal Paľko, and „Katapult“ by Jon Balke, became integral to the program, with the ensemble rehearsing under each composer’s guidance.
Through this project, new "cultural products" - the "One Music" concert program was created. The creative process behind these works, rooted in Slovak and Norwegian cultures, strengthened the unique collaboration between early music ensembles from Slovakia and Norway, opening new horizons for long-term cooperation. The program brought 17th-century early music to the public, showcasing the cultural heritage within archives of Slovak and Norwegian cities.
Additionally, it highlighted the beauty of traditional music from ethnic minorities - Roma, Jewish, Sami, and Viking- especially for young audiences from vocational schools, contributing to anti-extremism efforts by engaging youth who are most at risk. By using the know-how of bilateral partner, the promoter organized these concerts, which were well-received by students, and plan to continue them due to their positive impact. The promoter also arranged a pilot concert for children from marginalized Roma communities in Silk, a village in central Slovakia, featuring Roma musical influences from Slovak archives. The active participation and enthusiasm of the local community during the concert strengthened the self-confidence of this vulnerable group by recognizing Roma music as part of Slovak cultural history.
The workshops focusing on artistic freedom and improvisation skills for students, teachers, and representatives of art institutions, including universities, conservatories, and secondary art schools in Slovakia and Norway were organised. These workshops, with the participation of all three composers, contributed to the capacity building of music professionals and received positive feedback. The project also provided young filmmakers with the opportunity to document the two-year creative process of the "One Music" program using new techniques, capturing the essence of the collaboration.
Additionally, the project encouraged the Slovak ensemble to develop a sustainable "music product" and other tools to ensure the lasting impact of this bilateral collaboration.
Finally, this project allowed us to fulfill the dream of long-time collaborators, Miloš Valent and Bjarte Eike, by creating a joint concert program for their ensembles.
Summary of bilateral results
The project benefited from the Donor Program Partner (DPP) by drawing on their expertise, which enriched the concert program, enhanced the project’s impact on young audiences from vocational schools and helped to prepare the business strategy for the future cooperation. DPP’s involvement also helped foster meaningful cross-cultural exchange and anti-extremism efforts.The project deepened Slovak-Norwegian collaboration, blending cultural heritage from both countries in a unique concert program and documentary. It strengthened relations by celebrating shared history and mutual artistic contributions, creating a foundation for future cooperation.The cooperation will continue through ongoing performances of the "One Music" program and screenings of the documentary, along with a shared strategy to sustain collaborative efforts at international music festivals. Both partners aim to extend their partnership to new audiences and further cultural initiatives.