A concert presented by nyMusikk and Ny Musikk Komponistforening (NMK), featuring six world premieres for koto by selected NMK composers. The performances took place on 25 November in Oslo and 27 November in Trondheim (Rådhussalen, Hovedbiblioteket).

The project centers on renowned koto performer Fukuhara Sawako, a leading figure within the Ikuta-ryu tradition whose work spans contemporary music, Japanese folk music, classical and modern repertoire, and intercultural collaborations. The program showcased new works by Jakob Glans, Ferdinand Schwarz, Mathieu Lacroix, Martin Korssletten, Tale Vang Ellefsen, and one additional NMK composer, each offering distinct perspectives on the instrument’s sonic and expressive possibilities.

Developed as an NMK tour in collaboration with nyMusikk, nyMusikk Trondheim, and nyMusikk Bergen, the project was initiated by composer Anders Hannevold following his studies in Kyoto. Leading up to the concerts, the participating composers engaged in ongoing dialogue with Fukuhara Sawako and took part in an open seminar exploring the koto’s traditional, contemporary, and experimental techniques.

Program:
Ferdinand Schwarz: all-pervading, ever-moving (2025)
Martin Korsletten: In Blue Olympus (2025)
Ana Maria Oancea: Undertow (2025)
Tale Vang Ellefsen: The Becoming (2025)
Mathieu Lacroix: Înarborat (2025)
Jakob Thonander Glans: Koto Hardcore (2025)