Mosel Musikfestival
Sensorial Symphonies
The Moselmusikfestival celebrates its 40th anniversary – four decades of inspiring concert experiences and musical encounters at unique venues.
With Sensorial Symphonies, co-produced by Elisabeth Schilling & Company and United Instruments of Lucilin, the Luxembourg-based ensemble performs at the Moselmusikfestival for the very first time.
In a world increasingly disconnected from nature, Sensorial Symphonies emerges as a groundbreaking exploration of botanical consciousness. Set against the backdrop of Rachmaninov’s iconic Piano Concerto No. 2 – reimagined with a contemporary score by Pascal Schumacher and the visceral sounds of The Plant Philharmonic – this bold creation by associate choreographer Elisabeth Schilling challenges the boundaries between human artistry and nature’s virtuosity. Performed by an all-female ensemble, the piece unfolds as a dance of reciprocity and adaptation, reflecting the fluid, networked intelligence of plant life. But, within the structured confines of the theatre, Sensorial Symphonies also questions if human spaces can become sites of reconnection, where nature and culture converge. This world premiere is accompanied by an extensive programme of events offering audiences deeper insight.
Choreography: Elisabeth Schilling
Dance: Manuela Hierl, Marla King, Noa Nies, Aurore Mettray, Marine Tournet
Choreographic Assistant & Rehearsal Director: Brian CA
Costume & Set design: Ágnes Hamvas
Musical concept & original composition: Pascal Schumacher rooted in a de- and reconstruction of Sergei Rachmaninov’s 2nd Piano Concerto integrating elements of The Plant Philharmonic
The Plant Philharmonic: A diversity of plant sounds collected by Elisabeth Schilling & recorded by Alexandra Duvekot, Jez riley French, Jeff Rize, Rok Šturm, Hidden Sound
Sound Design: Jan Brauer
Scent Artist: Ezra-Lloyd Jackson
Lighting design: Fränz Meyers
Sound installation: The forest still sings for us Alexandra Duvekot
Live music: United Instruments of Lucilin > Galdric Subirana, percussions
Dramaturgy & Leadership: Coach Eva Martinez
Commissioned by Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg
Co-produced by Elisabeth Schilling & Company; United Instruments of Lucilin
Supported by SACEM Luxembourg; Ministère de la Culture Luxembourg; TROIS C-L | Maison pour la danse
Residencies: Karukera Ballet Guadeloupe & RedSapata Art, Culture and Dance Initiative
Elisabeth Schilling’s research on vegetality has been informed by books of Michael Marder, Stephano Mancuso, Emmanuele Coccia, Wolf-Dieter Storl, Monica Gagliano, Zoë Schlanger, amongst others.
Photos: © boshua