Work of the Week – Sebastian Hilli: Hibernation

Hibernation in summer? – In Sebastian Hilli's new composition Hibernation, the term "hibernation" represents not an external, but an internal "cold spell". On July 7, 2022, Hibernation will be performed in Viitasaari, Finland as part of the Time of Music Festival. The International Ensemble Modern Academy will be conducted by Alexander Sinan Binder, with video projections by Jenny Jokela.

A look inside – Sebastian Hilli’s Hibernation

In recent years, many people have experienced first-hand what Hilli's Hibernation expresses and depicts, together with the video sequences: isolation, loneliness, depression. Across various fluidly connected scenes, Hibernation shows the inner workings of a nameless woman as she withdraws into herself. The unique and complex emotions, dream world and stark reality of the protagonist merge in Hilli's composition, which is musically just as multifaceted. The composer envisaged ideas for Hibernation in the summer of 2019, prior to the pandemic restrictions. During the lockdowns and the associated experiences, he ultimately composed large parts of the work about which he says:

The intent of Hibernation is not to give a traditional linear story or instructions of how to overcome loneliness or depression, but to through music and video give form and expression to abstract and intangible emotions, which anyone who experiences isolation can connect to and therefore feel less alone. Sebastian Hilli

Hibernation was premiered on July 3rd, 2022 at the Centre Georges-Pompidou in Paris by the International Ensemble Modern Academy under the direction of Alexander Sinan Binder. After the Finnish premiere in July, the play will also be shown on September 11, 2022 in Utrecht in the Netherlands. 

Info Box

• Hibernation: Work Details and Online Score
• Sebastian Hilli: Composer Profile
• Ensemble Modern