SEAN BELL
Countertenor and Performance Artist
A three-part project directed, produced, and performed by Sean Bell. Based on the concept of the singer as storyteller. Performed at Oslo Rom for Dans in May 2024, premiering two works by composers Robert Nettleship (UK) and Harald Jordal (NO). The project was supported by the Miscellaneous grant for recently graduated artists from the Norwegian Government Grants for Artists and commission support from the Arts Council Norway for the piece ‘Reduced (to the role of onlooker)’. The performance was produced in collaboration with VoxLAB.
British lute songs from the early 17th century, performed solo self-accompanied with baroque guitar.
With a special focus on songs by Thomas Campion, lesser-known composers from the period 1600-1660 in England are explored.
In these songs the singer often portrays different characters and emotions, shifting between reality and fiction – honesty and deception. Central themes are love and spirituality and how these play into individual’s destiny, in a true Renaissance spirit.
Shakespearian Tales of Woe by composer Robert Nettleship (UK) for countertenor and drum kit. This work is based on texts by the composer and explores the singer's role as narrator.
Thematically, the lyrics are inspired by situations the composer experienced while travelling. The material playfully explores the intersection between fiction and truth in how personal observations are presented. Here the composer interweaves inspiration and references from Shakespeare's poetry with graphic notation, improvisation and intricate musical lines.
Reduced (to the role of onlooker) by composer Harald Jordal (NO), for countertenor, soundtrack, sensor, video and lamp.
This work explores mediation in the meeting between vocal expressions, theatre, electronics and the audience. Inspired by different musical styles, Jordal questions the frontman's power over the media, through self-realisation and reduction.