tenso
“tenso is an occitan word that refers to a verbal joust between two troubadours,” says Laurence Equilbey, “It also expresses the tension that has inspired me in recent years to bring together the great European vocal ensembles in a single project. The art of singing is still gravely lacking in support, for no obvious reason, though it is not helped by an inherent conservatism. As a major participant in this field, tenso supports the dissemination of musical works, first performances of modern music and academic research.”
tenso is a European program, begun in 2004 at the instigation of Laurence Equilbey, Daniel Reuss and Geoffroy Jourdain, with accentus and several other European choirs, such as the RIAS Kammerchor and the Latvian Radio Choir. The main aims here, in the development of the art of singing, are the exploration of the existing repertoire, the circulation of musical scores throughout Europe and the creation of a new repertoire.
It envisages partnerships at the heart of a European network of vocal ensembles, consisting of research institutes, training centres, professional editors and organisers of live dramatic performances. This is a new stage in a process of renewal, with practising singers at its head.
Composers and interpreters take part in these tasks, especially in assisting with new works and in the interaction between vocal writing and the use of new technology.
tenso is open to the whole musical community through a policy of interactive media, including a web site, networking of resources, meetings, concerts, workshops and publications.
By these methods, accentus and other European ensembles of note can offer the general public first performances and unpublished works during its “tenso days”.
www.tenso-vocal.com