Against the backdrop of a dystopian future, three young singers come together in a session of sung spells and magical incantations for Counterforces. A ritual primal scream, by three female voices from three vocal traditions, IKRAAAN, Amina Osmanu and Lore Binon, with prophetic texts by poet Dominique De Groen and music by composer and pianist Frederik Croene. The three singers acquire wings through De Groene’s empathic language and forge a secret musical alliance, supported by Croene’s inspired music. Together they decide to fight the hopeless, patriarchal world with radical witchcraft. Their performance thus forms a playful yet powerful resistance to the prevailing clichés of being a woman and an uncertain future.
Composer & performers
Frederik Croene
Pianist Frederik Croene developed a handful trajectories in which he reflects on the ever changing and multi-layered identities of the classical pianist. He worked intensively with contemporary composers such as Michael Beil, Simon Steen-Andersen, Michael Finnissey and Stefan Prins. In addition to his work as a performing pianist, Croene uses the concept of the deconstructed piano to rethink traditional situations in which the instrument and its performer can find themselves.
Amina Osmanu
Singer Amina Osmanu a.k.a. Amos forms A/T/O/S (a taste of struggle) with Truenoys. In 2020, they released a third album, Waterman. “As husky and brooding as her vocals are, her phrasing is brisk: a touch of Jorja Smith combined with the understated of Martina Topley-Bird,” dixit De Morgen.
Lore Binon
Soprano Lore Binon is eager to assert herself as a defender of the fragile song genre. Her sensitive and rich musical personality makes her a much sought-after soloist at home and abroad for both the symphonic repertoire and early music. In addition, Binon is active in the worlds of chamber music, music theater and contemporary music.
IKRAAAN
Through her love of the Dutch language, IKRAAN learned to turn her passion for music into work of her own. She developed her dreamy singing style that instantly takes you into a unique world. With her music, she broaches difficult subjects: obstacles, a bumpy life path and the pain of being fundamentally different.
Counterforces is also presented by SN partners Wilde Westen (via Festival Kortrijk) and November Music.
Sounds Now is also at Transit 2023 with Noise Uprising: Trapani, ZWERM, Sophia Burgos and Sofia Jernberg