Rivers are particularly complex and dynamic systems: in infinite interactions they shape the land they flow through and are shaped by it. They shape human visions, fears and needs and are shaped by them. Rivers are also incredibly powerful metaphors and spiritual forces, valuable and coveted economic assets, witnesses and bearers of history. Which stories and histories do these rivers carry with them? What can we learn from them? What opens up by being attentive to their sounds?
In this work, Argentine artist Nahuel Cano researches the history and meaning of rivers: the Limay and Salado in his native country and the Vecht in the Netherlands, his new home. Cano extensively researched the history of each river and the ecological developments surrounding them, and added his personal stories connected to them. He translated his research into music and poems, and then built an audiovisual performance in collaboration with filmmaker Juan Fernández Gebauer and Ensemble Modelo62. Ways to listen to a river is a “performative concert”: it consists of live music, video projection, spoken word and actions on stage.
Composer, performer - Nahuel Cano Film artist - Juan Fernandez Gebauer Ensemble Modelo62 - Electronics - Ezequiel Menalled Cello - Jan Willem Troost Percussion - Klára Andrlová Bass clarinet - Enric Sans I Morera Soundmix - Clare Gallagher Eindregie advies - Anouke de Groot Vocal coach - Claudia Cano Composition advisor - Ezequiel Menalled Text advisor - Flor Braier Kantor Technical producer/Light designer - Pablo Fontdevila Color grading Vecht - Maren Henke Developed with the support of - Het Huis Utrecht, WP Zimmer, C-Takt, Camargo Foundation Fellowship, HELLERAU – Europäisches Zentrum der Künste, Residenties in Utrecht, Provincie Utrecht, Buitenplaats Doornburgh, Gaudeamus Festival, Stichting SBI / Landgoed Zonheuvel, Estudio ElCuarto.
