WHEN SHE AWAKENS 

Norwegian harpist Sunniva Rødland releases When She Awakens, a bold and immersive solo album that reimagines the harp as a vessel for myth, abstraction, and modern storytelling. Featuring works by some of the most visionary composers of the 20th and 21st centuries, the album invites listeners into a dreamlike soundscape where ritual and resonance intertwine.

The journey begins with Toru Takemitsu’s Stanza II, a contemplative exploration of texture and elements, followed by John Cage’s serene In a Landscape. Harrison Birtwistle’s Crowd introduces dense, dramatic sonorities, while Salvatore Sciarrino’s L’addio a Trachis evokes ancient tragedy in whispering harmonies.

The centerpiece of the album is R. Murray Schafer’s The Crown of Ariadne, a theatrical and percussive suite that unfolds across six movements: Ariadne Awakens, Ariadne’s Dance, Dance of the Bull, Dance of the Night Insects, Sun Dance, and Labyrinth Dance (Theseus & Ariadne). Each movement conjures mythic imagery through rhythmic complexity and extended techniques.

The program concludes with Kaija Saariaho’s Fall, a spectral and emotionally charged work that captures the essence of transformation and descent. When She Awakens is a sonic odyssey—an invitation to experience the harp beyond its traditional boundaries, shaped by Rødland’s fearless artistry and deep interpretive insight.

Sunniva Rødland (born 1977) is a classically trained Norwegian harpist. known for her artistic versatility, innovative spirit, and dedication to contemporary music. She holds a PhD in artistic research from the Norwegian Academy of Music.Rødland has to date premiered sixteen solo works, and she has had long-term collaborations with a number of composers, often as co-creator in the composition process. In addition to her performance career, she is a dedicated educator and frequently teaches harp and contemporary music practices. She also plays an active role in shaping the Norwegian music scene through her involvement in various artistic boards and committees.