INTONAL - S:t Johannes Kyrka

As night falls over Malmö, Intonal ventures beyond the familiar pulse of Inkonst, seeking resonance in the city’s hidden sanctuaries. Among them, the awe-inspiring S:t Johannes kyrka—a space where sound becomes sacred, and time bends to vibration. This year, within its cavernous embrace, we summon the mystic energies of *KKAARREENNIINNAA*—Charlemagne Palestine’s hypnotic opus, now reborn through the hands of Oren Ambarchi and Daniel O’Sullivan. Alongside them, Antonina Nowacka unravels sonic veils with a voice that flickers like an ancient signal from the beyond. Step inside. Listen deeply. Entry with festival pass or thursday pass (pass A). Tickets at the door 160:- No age restriction. This year’s church program: Charlemagne Palestine, Oren Ambarchi, and Daniel O’Sullivan reimagine KKAARREENNIINNAA Legendary composer, performer, and visual artist Charlemagne Palestine has joined forces with Oren Ambarchi, the groundbreaking Australian guitarist and sound explorer, and Daniel O’Sullivan, the English multi-instrumentalist and composer, to form a visionary trio that redefines Palestine’s MAGGGICCCC SONGGGG Karenina. This unprecedented collaboration breathes new life into a sacred masterpiece, heralding a bold and transformative chapter in experimental music. Originally recorded in 1997 at Galerie Donguy in Paris and released on David Tibet’s Durtro label (now long out of print), Karenina is one of the jewels of Palestine’s music canon. Originally composed for Indian harmonium and voice, it channels his deep-rooted influences: the meditative, evolving textures of Hindustani raga, the emotive spiritual chants of cantorial synagogue music, and his signature approach to longform continuous music. In this new 2.0 rendering, the trio builds upon its meditative core, introducing fresh sonic dimensions through their unique synergy and individual artistry. Honoring the sacred essence of the original while reimagining it as a living, evolving work, they weave new textures for a sonic tapestry that transcends the boundaries of time, tradition, and genre – a meditative yet dynamic exploration that invites listeners into a transformative sound world. A pioneer of minimalist music and avant-garde performance, Charlemagne Palestine has spent decades crafting immersive soundscapes that defy convention. Known for his deeply ritualistic approach to composition, his works often utilize drones, overtones, and layered harmonic textures to create transcendent listening experiences. His influence spans across multiple disciplines, cementing his place as one of the most significant figures in experimental music. Australian guitarist, composer, and sonic innovator Oren Ambarchi is celebrated for his ability to blur the boundaries between instrumental music, drone, and electronics. His exploratory use of the electric guitar as a textural instrument has redefined its role in contemporary music. Ambarchi’s extensive solo and collaborative works, alongside his label Black Truffle, place him at the forefront of experimental sound. Daniel O’Sullivan is an English multi-instrumentalist and composer whose work spans an eclectic range of genres, from chamber music, psychedelic rock, metal, and inventive folk pop. Renowned for his collaborations with avant-garde luminaries and his own groundbreaking projects, O’Sullivan’s artistry is characterized by its lush arrangements and emotional depth, bringing an additional layer of melodic and harmonic sophistication to this reimagining of Karenina. Antonina Nowacka (SHAPE+) With a voice like a gateway to another dimension—hypnotic, theremin-like, and steeped in mystery – the Polish vocalist, sound artist, and composer with roots in visual art invites listeners into immersive worlds that blur the boundaries of reality. In her minimalistic soundscapes inspired by nature, space, dreams, and otherworldly happenings, she has developed a singular vibrato praised by Pitchfork as, “a magnetic field” and by The Quietus for opening, “a small portal to a world not quite the same as this one.” Nowacka has collaborated with artists like Nicolas Jaar (for Unsound Festival’s Weavings project), Agnieszka Polska (for her film Plan Tysiącletni), and Sofie Birch (for the collaborative album Languoria), performing at iconic venues such as Lincoln Center, Barbican Centre, and BOZAR. A SHAPE+ Platform artist for 2024/25, her work spans acclaimed releases including Lamunan (2020), Vocal Sketches from Oaxaca (2021), and Sylphine Soporifera (2024). This event is partially funded by SHAPE+ network. Antonina Nowacka is an artist of the SHAPE+ network. SHAPE+ is a European platform for innovative music and interdisciplinary art co-funded by the European Union and Pro Helvetia Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.