Music is never old or new…
it only exists in the moment of its sounding
O/Modernt
by Hugo Ticciati
about
A tapestry of connections
O/Modernt (Swedish for ‘Un/Modern’) is an internationally acclaimed Swedish cultural brand founded in 2011 by violinist and conductor Hugo Ticciati. Under Hugo’s dynamic leadership, O/Modernt embraces a spirit of reinvention and uncompromising artistic quality. The result is a unique listening experience packed with unexpected connections between musical styles and genres from the widest range of times and places.
The O/Modernt universe includes international performances by the O/Modernt Chamber Orchestra and a varied array of chamber ensembles, along with a busy schedule of new commissions. Its themed festivals and concert series in Stockholm’s state-of-the-art Queen Silvia Concert Hall are an integral part of Sweden’s thriving music scene, while the New Generation Symphony Orchestra provides a platform for the stars of tomorrow.
O/Modernt’s distinctive approach to musical performance, expressed in its creative programming and innovative artistic partnerships, has won international acclaim, with sold-out performances at venues including the Konzerthaus Berlin, the Musikverein in Vienna, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg (as part of the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival), and the Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ in Amsterdam. O/Modernt is currently resident at Wigmore Hall in London.
Outward-looking and passionate about breaking down boundaries, O/Modernt’s philosophy is epitomised in its slogan (an O/Modernt tribute to John Cage): Invent the past. Revise the future.
Invent the past.
Revise the future.
— John Cage
A breath that feels completely natural and organic … both bold and astonishingly natural.
— Dagens Nyheter
Behind the name
The name O/Modernt is made up of the Swedish words for ‘old’ and ‘new’ – a combination that expresses our founding essence. Its abbreviated form, OM, recalls the cosmic mantra that is chanted by millions around the world. The distinctive upside-down ‘E’ (ə) in the middle of the word ‘Modernt’ gently reminds us to be mindful of the claims of the ego, and instead to rediscover ourselves in the rhythmic energy of the present moment. O/Modernt’s artistic mission is therefore to awaken curiosity by stressing the vivid reality of the sounding now and challenging us to free the ego from its conditioned patterns.
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On stage
The beating heart of O/Modernt is live performance, driven by the imaginative programming that defines our distinctive identity. In a variety of formats, from small chamber groups to large ensembles, O/Modernt reinvents the concert experience, weaving together unexpected musical threads to present our audiences with unique listening encounters. Baroque meets rock, east meets west, and minimalism meets romanticism in interactive musical tapestries that playfully enrich the chosen genres. Breaking down barriers of time and space, icons from the standard classical repertoire are juxtaposed with non-classical works in an eclectic mix of styles and traditions. O/Modernt’s creative philosophy opens up a rare space for explorative partnerships with outstanding musicians and artists of diverse cultural backgrounds and heritage.
Festivals
The O/Modernt concept was born in 2011, with the first in our acclaimed series of summer festivals at Confidencen, Ulriksdal Palace Theatre, in Stockholm. Now a significant landmark in the city’s cultural landscape, O/Modernt hosts two annual festivals – summer and winter – at the spectacular Queen Silvia Concert Hall in central Stockholm. For both occasions we assemble a wonderful array of artists from around the world to perform alongside established O/Modernt players and emerging talents in an imaginative mix of performances and arts events.
Queen Silvia Concert Hall
Already a jewel in the city’s cultural crown, the Queen Silvia Concert Hall in central Stockholm is rapidly developing into one of Europe’s most creative and progressive cultural spaces. In close collaboration with Lilla Akademien, Scandinavia’s leading specialist music school, O/Modernt curates summer and winter festivals and a season of themed concerts in the cutting-edge space. Adding an educational dimension to the concert cycles, we invite distinguished artists to perform in the hall alongside coming generations of young musicians and to share their expertise in workshops and masterclasses.
Education
The nurturing and development of aspiring musicians is a cornerstone of O/Modernt’s mission. Our innovative programme is founded on two complementary platforms: the O/Modernt Academy and our New Generation initiative. While the New Generation scheme offers outstanding musical instruction and performance opportunities, the Academy grounds its teaching in a holistic approach inspired by the academies of ancient Greece, where the creativity of well-rounded individuals was the sign of a flourishing society. O/Modernt’s educational strategies culminate in the New Generation Symphony Orchestra, which meets in the summer for rehearsals, masterclasses, workshops, and performances. To ensure excellence across all our educational initiatives O/Modernt works in close collaboration with Lilla Akademien, Stockholm’s foremost specialist music school.
New Music
Since its inception, O/Modernt has wholeheartedly embraced the world of New Music, engaging in exciting collaborations with a host of composers from around the globe. To date, we have commissioned more than fifty works by early-career artists and internationally celebrated composers, notably Steve Reich and Pēteris Vasks. O/Modernt also hosts occasional composition awards to encourage emerging talents.