Olaf Nicolai–Synagoge Stommeln

Since the early 1990s, Olaf Nicolai has developed a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary projects that question elementary experiences of space, time and physicality.

Olaf Nicolai has developed a series of vocal performances especially for the former synagogue in Stommeln, inspired by a quote from the Talmud:

»An uninterpreted dream is like an unread letter.«

(Berachot 55a)

Based on the synagogue as a place of gathering, Nicolai reflects on the importance of communication–of speaking with and to one another, of reading and discussing texts and interpreting language, which are central to this place.

The quote in the title refers to this activity: reading, translation and transmission.

»Between May and September, singers will perform ten audio-visual interventions in conjunction with the flight paths of carrier pigeons, poetically demonstrating what it means to read a letter.«

Olaf Nicolai

22.5., 6 pm, Daniel Gloger, countertenor and Pascal Zurek, bass-baritone

25.5., 3 pm, Truike van der Poel, mezzo-soprano

14.6., 5 p.m., Andreas Fischer, bass

28.6., 5 pm, Daniel Gloger, countertenor

29.6., 5 pm, Daniel Gloger

13.7., 3 pm, Andreas Fischer

20.7., 3 pm, Pascal Zurek, bass-baritone

31.8., 3 pm, Truike van der Poel

7.9., 3 pm, Noa Frenkel, Contralto

21.9., 3 pm, Noa Frenkel, Pascal Zurek

With the pigeons: Old girl 01075–19–341 (f)

and Atabey DV 1075 19 28 (m)

Pigeon fanciers: Dr. Manfred Schlotmann and Orçun Yayla (Frechen-Köln 1894 racing pigeon association)

The performances will be recorded and published on an LP after the end of the exhibition.

The project is generously supported by:

Kunststiftung NRW

Cultural and Environmental Foundation of the Kreissparkasse Köln

Initiative Zeitgenössische Kunst und Musik Pulheim e.V.