Bent Sørensen: The Island in the City

Bent Sørensen, born in 1958, is a celebrated Danish composer whose music is renowned for its atmospheric and evocative qualities. With a distinctive voice that blends modernist techniques with a deep appreciation for conventional intervals and song structures, Sørensen's compositions often evoke a sense of nostalgia and introspection. His works, such as the triple concerto "L'isola della Città," have garnered international acclaim, including the prestigious 2018 Grawemeyer Award for Music Composition.

Sørensen's musical journey began with studies under notable figures like Ib Nørholm and Per Nørgård, and his breakthrough came with the string quartet "Alman" in 1984. His compositions are characterized by their delicate, flickering textures and a penchant for blurring harmonies with microtonal inflections. Whether composing for orchestra, chamber ensembles, or vocal works like his "St. Matthew Passion," Sørensen's music invites listeners into a world where the familiar and the elusive coexist, creating a deeply immersive and emotionally resonant experience.