The organ is not only the very cornerstone of European music, but it has also helped shape our shared history. It was therefore entirely natural that the Reconciliation Festival would choose to honour the "King of Instruments" in its programme. This concert is extraordinary in that it brings together two of today’s most significant composers and organists: Nils Henrik Asheim, based at Stavanger Concert Hall, and his colleague Thierry Escaich, organist at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Preceding the Norwegian Organ Festival, this rare encounter promises an unforgettable musical experience. Both artists have been given carte blanche for this historic concert.

The full festival programme is available at: www.reconciliation-festival.com

Composer, organist and improviser Thierry Escaich is a unique figure in contemporary music and one of the most important French composers of his generation. The three elements of Escaich’s artistry – composer, performer and improviser – are inseparable, enabling him to express himself at the highest level. In 2024, Escaich was appointed titular organist of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. His works span a wide range of genres and forms, including opera, symphonic and chamber music. With over 100 works, his catalogue is characterised by lyrical expression, rich harmonies and rhythmic energy, attracting a broad audience. Drawing on the French tradition after Ravel, Messiaen and Dutilleux, Escaich’s music also references contemporary, jazz, popular and spiritual music, all underpinned by a distinctive rhythmic drive and strong structural foundation. His music is performed by leading orchestras across Europe and North America, and by artists including Lisa Batiashvili, François Leleux, Andris Nelsons, Alain Altinoglu, Louis Langrée, Semyon Bychkov, Paavo Järvi, Alan Gilbert, Emmanuelle Bertrand and Paul Meyer.

Nils Henrik Asheim, composer, organist, pianist and curator, is known for his distinctive improvisational style and for incorporating the organ into a wide range of artistic settings. He is currently the resident organist at Stavanger Concert Hall. His compositions include orchestral works, chamber music and choral pieces, alongside numerous projects that explore space, context and collaboration in innovative ways. As an organist, Asheim is widely recognised for his unique improvisational voice. Inspired by jazz, avant-garde, electronic music, folk music and noise art, he brings the organ into sound worlds rarely associated with the instrument. Since the 1990s, Asheim has been deeply involved in Stavanger’s cultural life. He has chaired the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra’s programme committee, led projects, and served on its board. He also headed NyMusikk Stavanger, presenting over 200 concerts in 20 years. From 2001 to 2011, he initiated, chaired and developed projects for Tou Scene – a cultural hub in a former brewery – now one of Norway’s largest independent cultural institutions. Among his many accolades, he received Work of the Year 2023, the Lindeman Prize in 2011, the 2010 Spellemann Award for Contemporary Composer of the Year, was named Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2023 by the French Republic, and Knight First Class of the Order of St. Olav in 2018.

Free admission for children and youth under 16 accompanied by an adult. Free admission for refugees. Tickets must be collected in advance.

Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Organiser: Reconciliation Festival / Den Gjenfundne Tid