We live in a world that is increasingly polarised, with two camps set irreconcilably against each with no room for an in-between. In conversations about colonisation, Norwegians as colonists and the Sámi as indigenous people are often juxtaposed as completely separate groups and categories. But Närva, who comes from a Sea Sami and Kven family subjected to harsh Norwegianisation policies, finds himself between Sami, Norwegian and Kven identities. In the same way, whilst the Sámi joik has been demonised by the church for centuries, we also hear the sound and ornamentation of the joik existing in the Laestedian hymn tradition. Närva asks what kind of music can arise in this in-between space between the hymn and the joik? And if joik and the church organ really are two opposites, who represents heaven and who represents hell?

Vi som er máilmmiid gaskkas // Mii geat orrut mellom verdener was commissioned and recorded especially to be played in this unique listening room on Fløyen. With the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report from 2023 as its background, the work examines, among other things, the role of music and art in reconciliation efforts and is part of Borealis’ ongoing commitment to exploring Sámi sonic experimentalism today, and how new forms of sound and music can explore the resurgence of culture and language in the aftermath of colonial policies of erasure.

Presented in collaboration with Jiennagoahti & Birgon ja biras sámiid searvi. Special thanks to Bergen Cathedral and cantor Kjetil Almenning for use of the church and organ.