Tothom

A scenic reflection on connections, blending choral music, electroacoustic technology, mapping, and innovative stage formats.

A bond is a connection, the relationship between a person or thing with another. Therefore, two connected individuals or objects are linked—more or less freely—physically or symbolically.

We go from the minute to the maximum. The bond between atoms and molecules shapes and defines our matter. Internal bonds exist with our roots, experiences, and emotions, and their imprint, the trace of those beautiful and terrible dreams, shapes our personality. The bond of one person with others creates friendships, families, and societies, which in turn enable other bonds exponentially. Similarly, it happens with the environment: ecosystems are formed, linking to others, and soon we receive images of a planet, the solar system, the Universe.

TOTHOM is an immersive, atmospheric, musical journey, in search of who knows what, a journey through the big questions of existence, through the poetry of the here and now. TOTHOM is a heartbeat and a flash, a reclaiming act of the beauty of life and reflection on our place in the world.

Objectives

No man is an island,
Entire of itself;
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less,
As well as if a promontory were:
As well as if a manor of thy friend’s
Or of thine own were.
Any man’s death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.

(John Donne)

Tothom is a project created by Lucia Bérešová and Néstor Calderer. A scenic reflection on bonds, using choral music in combination with electroacoustic technology and visual projections.

The main objective of Tothom is to carry out a transgressive review of choral concerts; as they have traditionally adhered to a classic structure with minimal variations and a strong reluctance to renew their format. Our intention is to introduce new elements that break the static and aesthetic formal structure of the usual staging.

It is about creating a new path for the development of choral music, an opening to new languages, colors, and movements, combining elements from both the past and the present, and perhaps even the future.

Electroacoustics, videomapping, stage movement, lighting, stage play, and the hybridization of different disciplines will support the narration of a story, achieving an intense and interesting acoustic, visual, and aesthetic experience.

We believe that this idea can attract new audiences and will resonate with the community due to its relevance and innovative approach.

Captura de pantalla 2023-12-26 a las 22.00.22

Captura de pantalla 2023-12-26 a las 21.56.25

The Tothom project explores different forms of artistic expression for its fusion:

a) Vocal music (choral): “ResonArt Vocal Ensemble” is an inclusive choir based in Barcelona. Its members come from different countries, cultures, ages, sexual identities, and religions, creating a unique and inspiring environment based on respect. The choir’s diverse life experiences enrich the project and contribute to understanding the world from various perspectives.

b) Live-processed digital sound work: The live microphone capture of the choir’s voice will be distorted using electronic treatments, synthesizers, and both analog and digital sounds.

c) Video mapping projections and lighting: These will be fused as a form of expression and scenographic elements to achieve an interactive visual counterpoint with the music and create an immersive environment.

d) Artistic identity research of the project: Until now, we have not encountered projects that merge choral singing, electronic sound processing, and audiovisuals. We aim to delve into experimentation and explore the tools with which we will create the show, always with the goal of consolidating a collective and harmonious dramaturgy across different areas.

e) Scenic reformulation: With the intention of breaking from the usual mise en scène, we will explore interpretative and movement possibilities of the cast in interaction with other artistic disciplines. The exploration of expression through form, beauty, ease, and totality, and its connection, will be key for the technical, spatial, and sonic elements to fit into this new approach.

With the fusion of all these elements on stage, we bring uniqueness and innovation to the artistic landscape, as there is no similar project. This proposal revolutionizes the staging of choirs, which has been anchored in the configuration of the 19th century, or at least, it hopes to pave the way for a new expression in choral music.

The Tothom project, which speaks about bonds, is itself the dream of a new, healthy bond, of critical thinking, intense emotion, beautiful fragility, communication, and respect. We hope that this initial step of unity evolves and opens up to other arts to continue questioning our individual and collective responsibility, our place in the world.

Gallery

Creative Team

Resonart Vocal Ensemble

Resonart Vocal Ensemble: Interpretation Soprano: Nuria Luterbacher (Soloist)Anna Mullor (Soloist)Barbara ZindelovaAnna Fité Altos: Maider Lasa Santamaría (Soloist/actress)Adriana MichavilaVictoria ValeevaRoser LopezNatalia Marqués Tenor: Joel Ruiz (soloist)Roberto MontesMax KartJuan Sebastián SaldarriagaGerard Fusté Basses: Pablo Contreras (Body percussion)Adrià PagèsLev VlasovSimon Taibi ResonArt Vocal Ensemble was created in 2019 in Barcelona by Lucia Beresova with the aim of […]