Fire in my mouth

Julia Wolfe I Oslo-filharmonien I Det Norske Solistkor I Det Norske Jentekor

Thursday, 19 September, at 18:00–19:00 | 20:30–21:30

Oslo Konserthus

150–440 kr

Showings and tickets

Thursday, 19/09

18:00–19:00

Oslo Konserthus

150–440 kr

Buy ticket

20:30–21:30

Oslo Konserthus

150–440 kr

Buy ticket

In 1911 the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City caught fire. 146 clothing workers died in the blaze – most of them immigrant women and children who perished in dangerous, inhuman working conditions. Their story is told in Fire in my mouth, a large-scale oratorio for orchestra and female voices by composer and Bang On a Can member Julia Wolfe.

Described as ‘a monumental achievement in high musical drama’, Fire in my mouth follows the young workers as they emigrate to the United States, find jobs in the factory, protest against unfair labour conditions and are finally consumed in a tragic inferno. The score recreates factory sounds such as sewing machines and scissors, and vividly evokes the fire itself andthe workers’ suffering and hope.

Performed by the Oslo Philharmonic, Det Norske Solistkor, Solistkoret Ung and Det Norske Jentekor, Fire in my mouth’s themes of immigration, injustice, precarity and industrial neglect resonate strongly today.

In connection with the performances, will there be an exhibition in the foyer of Oslo Konserthus. Two large Memorial Quilts will be on display, remembering the victims of garment factory accidents in Bangladesh and at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York. A slideshow will show images of the fires, accidents, and portraits of key people who fought for workers' rights.

NB: A short conversation between Julia Wolfe, Heloisa Amaral (Ultima) and Alex Taylor (Oslo-filharmonien) will take place at Glasshuset thirty minutes before each concert.