King & Music: Poet at the Academy

Exploring the Interplay of poetry and Music: New Seminar Series Launches in Stockholm

A groundbreaking seminar series, “The Musical Space of Language,” will debut on Wednesday, January 14th, at 6:00 PM in Börssalen, Stockholm, examining the profound connections between poetic expression and musical composition. The series, a collaboration between the King. The Academy of Music and the Swedish Academy, promises a unique exploration of artistic synergy.

Did you know? – Börssalen, the seminar’s venue, is a historic hall in Stockholm originally used for stock exchange activities. It’s now a popular location for cultural events.

A Two-Year Investigation into Artistic Harmony

The core question driving this initiative, as articulated by organizers, is: “How do the music of words and notes talk to each other?” This ambitious project will unfold over two years, hosting seminars in various locations across the country, each focusing on different facets of this captivating relationship. All seminars are offered to the public free of charge, fostering accessibility and broad engagement.

inaugural Seminar Details: A Rich Program of Performance and Discussion

The first seminar will feature a dynamic program blending poetry reading, musical performances, and reflective conversations. Renowned pianist Roland Pöntinen will perform sonatas by Sven Erik Bäck, alongside movements from Johannes Brahms’ sonata for cello and piano. Cellist thorleif Thedéen, and vibraphonist Mika Takehara will also contribute to the musical landscape.

Adding a literary dimension, poets Eva Runefelt, Jörgen Lind, and Hanna Rajs will share their work. The discussion will be led by Axel Englund,with Anders Olsson and Anders Lagerqvist serving as hosts. A particularly noteworthy element of the program is the world premiere of Mika Takehara’s fantasy inspired by Kjell Espmark’s poem, “The Gotland Quartet” from “the only necessary.”

Pro tip: – Arrive early to Börssalen on January 14th to secure a good seat. The event is free, but space might potentially be limited due to anticipated high attendance.

Streaming and Accessibility

For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed live via the King. The Academy of Music’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

• [Link to Facebook event,link coming soon]
• [Link to Youtube,link coming soon]

The Rhythmic Soul of Language

The seminar series stems from the recognition that language itself possesses inherent musicality. As one organizer explained, “the rhythm of the sentences, the sound of the vowels or the clatter of the consonants…creates its own musicality.” This exploration seeks to understand how poets and composers intuitively leverage thes qualities.

Reader question: – What aspects of the relationship between poetry and music do you find most compelling? Share your thoughts and ideas!

News Report Additions (Answering Why, Who, What, and How)

Why: The seminar series, “the Musical Space of Language,” was created to explore the deep and often overlooked connections between poetic expression and musical composition. Organizers believe language itself has inherent musicality and want to investigate how poets and composers utilize this.

Who: The series is a collaboration between the King. The Academy of Music and the Swedish Academy. Key participants in the inaugural seminar include pianist Roland Pöntinen, cellist Thorleif Thedéen, vibraphonist Mika Takehara, poets Eva Runefelt, Jörgen Lind, and Hanna Rajs, and discussion leader Axel Englund, with hosts Anders Olsson and Anders Lagerqvist.

What: The series is a two-year initiative consisting of seminars held in various locations across