World premiere for dancers, baritone, choir and large orchestra

For the first time, 3 artistic ensembles from Aix-Marseille Université will be brought together on the Schuman campus for two performances of the world creation "The 7th continent".
On stage: 17 dancers from DANSE'AMU, 70 musicians from OSAMU & CO and 80 choristers from the EV choirs of AMU - Antequiem - La Magalone/Cité de la Musique de Marseille - les Vallonés ! The university commissioned the Franco-Greek composer Alexandros Markéas with the aim of linking a contemporary artistic creation to the issues of our society. A journey in movement and music to the continent of plastic was thus chosen as a symbol.

About the work:

The huge concentration of plastic waste evolving in the northern Pacific Ocean is called the "Seventh Continent," a vortex of detritus that single-handedly symbolizes our contradictions, our chaotic paths, our inordinate growth, and our flawed concepts.

This work tries to tell this strange story, with sounds and songs mixed with the friction and crackling of plastic, the artificial noises of the world. It is presented as a musical journey that follows the movement of ocean currents before arriving at this new sad and frightening continent.

This journey is inspired by the music of other continents to thus tell our ambivalent relationship with nature. It alternates between moments of meditative contemplation, sequences of ritual celebration, and desperate wailing.

This is a journey that is not just about the music, but also about our relationship with nature.

About the Composer:

Alexandros Markéas, composer and pianist original Greek, is interested to languages oftraditional music and emphasizes the meetings with improvising musicians from cultures different.

It also draws inspiration from various fields of artistic expression, such as architecture, theater, and visual arts to seek alternatives to the traditional concert and createspecial musical listening situations. His pieces are marked by a theatrical spirit and by the use of multimedia techniques.

About the art ensembles:

DANSE'AMU - Aix-Marseille Université Dance Company | Direction: Véronique Asencio.
OSAMU & CO - Symphony Orchestra of Aix-Marseille Université and the Conservatory of Marseille | Direction : Sébastien Boin.
EV'AMU - Ensemble Vocal d'Aix-Marseille Université / and Antequiem | Direction : Philippe Franceschi.
Chœur de la Magalone/Cité de la Musique de Marseille - and Les Vallonés | Direction : Brigitte Fabre.