A City on Fire: Vox Humana sings Requiem for Oslo
Norwegian composer Håvard Enstad, who lives and works in Vienna, created a requiem for the Norwegian choir Vox Humana to commemorate a devastated fire in Oslo in 1624
June 05th, 2024
In 1624, a devastating fire ravaged the medieval city of Oslo, marking a dramatic and pivotal moment in Norwegian history.
This catastrophe led to the complete destruction of the old city, paving the way for the construction of the modern Norwegian capital on its ruins. Four hundred years later, to commemorate this significant event, Norwegian composer Håvard Enstad, who lives and works in Vienna, has created a requiem for the Norwegian choir Vox Humana. This poignant piece aims to honor the memory of the tragedy and the resilience of the city and its people.
The commemorative concert was conducted by Lisa Smith Walaas and took place on May 11th in the stately Old Town Hall. This historic venue provided a fitting backdrop for the premiere of Enstad's requiem, offering a space where history and modern art converge. Adding to the significance of the event, the day before, on May 10th, the concert was performed in the Primate's Palace in Bratislava. This performance in Bratislava extended the commemoration beyond Norway, highlighting the universal themes of loss, recovery, and renewal embodied in Enstad's composition.
