On the one hand, Danish composer Christian Winther Christensen’s Passion is clearly situated within the tradition of western classical music. From the Baroque to the Avant Garde; from Bach to Rossini to Poulenc: Since the very beginning of musical notation, composers have recast the crucifixion of Christ into a wide array of musical works. On the other hand, Christensen’s Passion is highly unusual: Situated in front of an enormous screen, it is the audience members themselves who are gradually guided into their own crucifixion with the help of eight performers from Scenatet.

In a remarkable fusion of absurdity and touching sincerity, the performance explores the intersection of sacrifice and ecstasy – an intersection that could be described as the very emotional core not only of religious experience and practice, but also of human existence. Passion combines a wildly conceptual idea with a deeply emotive musical backdrop consisting of relentlessly progressing percussion and siren-like cries of trombone. Described by Politiken as a completely unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience, the performance utilizes this highly distinctive combination of theatrics and music to examine ancient primordial themes – the nature of suffering; love of one’s neighbor – in a completely new way.

Passion is an interactive performance for eight musicians and a limited number of audience members per performance. The work is repeated three times per performance day.

Duration: 30 min

Passion is initiated, commissioned and produced by Scenatet.

“I have never experienced anything like it. To feel the audience faithfully carry out the instructions and become the visual side of the performance while concentrating on doing everything right was completely unfamiliar. Like moving back and forth across the line between being a cast member and the audience again and again. To both give and take at the same time was a very special pleasure”.

Concept and composition: Christian Winther Christensen
Performers: Matias Seibæk, David Hildebrandt, Anders Frandsen, Robert Sylta, Gabriel Boezi Gjerpe, Therese Iversen, Erica Giacoletto and Bárá Gísladottír.
Sound- and video technology: Mikael Tobias
Artistic director: Anna Berit Asp Christense

The Danish Arts Foundation and KODA Culture