PROGRAM

Story by José Enrique Macián and Jóhann Jóhannsson based on the novel by Olaf Stapledon

Music/Classic/Film  The Icelandic composer and filmmaker Jóhann Jóhannsson died in 2018 at the age of 48, while still working on the score of his magnum opus. With Last and First Men, he left behind him an outstanding ‘Gesamtkunstwerk’ that combines music, film and storytelling. His work was based on Olaf Stapledon’s far-sighted novel about human history. Featuring spectacular film of war memorials in former Yugoslavia, Jóhannsson’s composition builds into a unique audio-visual experience. This multi-media project can now be experienced at the Festspielhaus with the voice of Oscar-winner Tilda Swinton and live music from the Tonkunstler Orchestra under Viktor Orri Árnason.

Jóhann Jóhannsson Direction and Music, Yair Elazar Glotman Musik, Anthony Weeden Orchestration and Arrangement, Sturla Brandth Grøvlen Camera, Rick Will Technical Lead, Stuart Bailes Light Design, Tilda Swinton Narrator, Else Torp Soprano, Kate Macoboy Soprano, Viktor Orri Árnason Conductor, Tonkunstler Orchestra

Commissioned by Manchester International Festival, Barbican Center and Sydney Opera House for Vivid LIVE. Film co-produced by Flanders Festival Kortrijk with support from GoneWest, Province of West Flanders.