Sarah-Jane Summers - Kalopsia (2019)

The extremes of expression and sound on viola and Hardanger fiddle are explored by Sarah-Jane on her latest album Kalopsia, which follows on from her highly successful album of improvisations, VIRR, Fiona Talkington’s Album of the Year 2017, Late Junction, BBC Radio 3.

The music utilises a vast range of contemporary and extended violin techniques to create sonic portraits of a truly unique and independent artist with a deep passion for sound in and of itself.

Sarah-Jane is fascinated by the point where sound feels like it is starting to disintegrate, by its vulnerability and by the surprising strength within the vulnerability.

To her, kalopsia represents the confusion that arises when contemplating beauty. We think we understand what it is, but it of course has no inherent meaning. Beauty – just like how we listen - is so subjective.

A free-thinking, versatile and impassioned performer, Sarah-Jane is also a composer and is a tradition bearer of the old Highland style of Scottish fiddling. She moved to Norway in 2010 and has a master’s degree in Norwegian folk music and improvisation from the prestigious Norwegian Academy of Music. She recently participated on an album with leading contemporary music string quartet Quatuor Bozzini, performing a piece written for her by Prof. Monty Adkins.