Convergence – Phase One is the first step in a collaboration between Pekka Kuusisto, Esa-Pekka Salonen and Jesper Nordin based on their mutual fascination on bringing different worlds and expressions together. Traditional Nordic folk music, video game technology, orchestral tradition and electronics are all converging in this piece. Convergence – Phase One is a shorter chamber orchestra version of the full scale violin concerto Convergence.

Using Jesper Nordin’s unique technology Reactional Music, Kuusisto & Salonen will be able to perform on virtual instruments with their movements and sounds. This becomes an alternative universe where they can zoom in on the building blocks of the score – the ”musical DNA” – and create alternative and complementary soundscapes with a virtual orchestra, all happening in real time.

The visualisation of these electronic aspects in the music is done by French visual artist Thomas Penanguer, who takes the same sounds and movements to drive generative visuals.