Finnish innovators Tero Saarinen and Kimmo Pohjonen have joined forces to stage the one-of-a-kind production "Breath" at the Ko Shan Theatre New Wing in early November, offering audiences an unconventional music, dance and visual journey.
 
     Choreographer-dancer Saarinen is known for his unique movement language while Pohjonen is a revolutionary master accordionist. Together they will break away from their expected roles to deliver an enlightening performance in which dance steps disregard sequence and notes mix with noise.
 
     Through stunning, multi-layered arrays of fluorescent lights, a transcendent third space will be created in which the two artists will move from one end of the compass-shaped stage to the other as if travelling between the two poles. They will meet together and divide, clash and co-exist peacefully, exploring themes of solitude, extreme isolation and losing contact.
 
     Saarinen is a constant searcher for varied forms of expression including traditional Japanese dance and butoh, classical ballet and martial arts in his spirited contemporary creations. He is also known for his unique movement language that inventively combines the grotesque and beauty and plays with balance and off-balance.
 
     Pohjonen has been variously referred to as the Jimi Hendrix or Björk of the accordion. With his custom-made electrified and MIDI-equipped instrument, as well as different voices, lights, sounds and other effects, he creates captivating performance experiences. Both Saarinen and Pohjonen have received numerous acknowledgements and have collaborated with acclaimed musicians and performing groups.
 
     The music and dance production "Breath" is one of the programmes of the World Cultures Festival 2019 - The Nordics. It will be staged at 8pm on November 8 and 9 at the Ko Shan Theatre New Wing Auditorium. Tickets priced at $240, $320 and $420 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For credit card telephone bookings, please call 2111 5999. Strong strobe lighting will be used in the programme.
 
     Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the World Cultures Festival 2019 - The Nordics is running from October 18 to November 17. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit www.worldfestival.gov.hk.

Ends/Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Issued at HKT 12:32

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