Tero Saarinen Company & Het Muziek Study for Life

Study for Life revolves around the desire for connection in a fragmented world, both in relation to others and to ourselves. Beginning from a dystopian and solitary landscape, the multidisciplinary piece gradually travels towards hope and a richer sensory spectrum.

Blending elements of a dance piece, concert and sound installation, the work immerses and merges them into one synesthetic experience. With the audience seated in a 360-degree arrangement around the stage, the creation invites the audience to physically enter Saariaho’s textured musical world. Connections with others are formed and unraveled as both dancers and musicians share the space, moving and gliding through the shifting currents of light.

In total, the evening includes four of Saariaho’s early compositions: Study for Life (1980), Petals (1988), Lichtbogen (1986), Attente and Parfum de l’instant (2002, from Quatre Instants). The four compositions are connected with Tuomas Norvio’s electronic music and sound design. Study for Life is a collaboration with Amsterdam-based Het Muziek ensemble. The scenography is by Fabiana Piccioli, Sander Loonen, and creation’s costume designer Erika Turunen.

The world premiere took place at Holland Festival in June 2025, followed by performances at Bregenzer Festspiele in July. The performance season at Dance House Helsinki will mark the creation’s Finnish premiere. The 360-degree seating structure will transform the Erkko Hall into an entirely new spatial experience, bringing the performance at times within almost tangible reach.