The pianist, novelist, poet, composer and playwright Ketil Bjørnstad will perform music pieces and readings from his novel 'To Music' at the Southbank Centre 27 October.
Ketil Bjørnstad (born 1947) occupies a pivotal place in the rich culture of contemporary Norway and has also received broad attention abroad. His success as a novelist spans some 40 novels, such as the recently translated biographical novel The Story of Edward Munch. Bjornstad’s music has also been frequently used in various films.
At the Southbank Centre 27 October, Bjørnstad will read from his recently translated novel 'To Music', which was awarded the Prix des Lecteurs in 2008. According to the author Lars Saabye Christensen, To Music “…is a family drama, an artist novel and a captivating portrayal of a young man’s obsession and love. I suspect that only Ketil Bjørnstad, with his unique artistic experience, could have written this novel, and it is a novel he just had to write, sooner or later”.
Sixteen-year old Aksel Vinding is the novel’s main character, who after his mother’s tragic death decides to dedicate his life to music. 'To Music' combines music, love, life and death, inviting complex questions surrounding the creative process and whether it is possible to produce the most exquisite art forms without enduring personal suffering.
The reading will be followed by a complementary selection of Ketil Bjørnstad's haunting piano pieces.
Ketil Bjørnstad’s upcoming ECM album 'Night Song', with cellist Svante Henryson, is due for release next year. Previous projects in the UK have included Scene Norway at Kings Place in 2008 and a 2006 Contemporary Music Network UK tour.
27 October 7:30pm
Southbank Centre
Purcell Room
Belvedere Road
London SE1 8XX
Book tickets: 0871 663 2500 or click here.