O CATHY
Luciano Berio, John Cage, Cathy Berberian
& Nemø ensemble
Virtuoso singers and instrumentalists have always inspired composers to write new music with faster, higher or more difficult notes or with new techniques. Similarly, Cathy Berberian has become known as the “muse of Darmstadt” inspiring several of the greatest composers of the 20th century, including her husband Luciano Berio, to compose for her.
In addition to the fact that she significantly expanded the range
of vocal techniques in classical music, she contributed to the emancipation of the voice in the more experimental genre. Her philosophy continues to resonate today, questioning the traditional composer-performer relationship.
In 'O Cathy', Nemø ensemble pays tribute to Berberian by performing work she has composed herself alongside pieces written for her, and by adopting a role as performer that stands on equal footing with that of the composer. Interpretation, arrangement and composition push each other's boundaries in this new production by Nemø ensemble.
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& Nemø ensemble
Virtuoso singers and instrumentalists have always inspired composers to write new music with faster, higher or more difficult notes or with new techniques. Similarly, Cathy Berberian has become known as the “muse of Darmstadt” inspiring several of the greatest composers of the 20th century, including her husband Luciano Berio, to compose for her.
In addition to the fact that she significantly expanded the range
of vocal techniques in classical music, she contributed to the emancipation of the voice in the more experimental genre. Her philosophy continues to resonate today, questioning the traditional composer-performer relationship.
In 'O Cathy', Nemø ensemble pays tribute to Berberian by performing work she has composed herself alongside pieces written for her, and by adopting a role as performer that stands on equal footing with that of the composer. Interpretation, arrangement and composition push each other's boundaries in this new production by Nemø ensemble.
Production
Nemø ensemble
Composition
Luciano Berio
Cathy Berberian
John Cage
Nemø ensemble
Repertoire
O King, Luciano Berio
Sequenza III, Luciano Berio (arr. Ward De Jonghe)
Stripsody, Cathy Berberian (arr. Esther Rispens)
Aria, John Cage
Nemø’s Song Books, Nemø ensemble
Instrumentation
Flute
Clarinet
Violin
Cello
Voice
Piano
Duration
50’
Past performances
26/1/2025at BOZAR, Brussels (BE)
15/11/2025 at November Music, Den Bosch (NL)
Credits
Marin D
Jostijn Ligtvoet Fotografie en November Music Festival
Availabe for tour