Call for input: We Are The Forest

Composer Rūta Vitkauskaitė and New European Ensemble are embarking on a project about trees, We Are The Forest. And you can be part of it! 

What is your first thought when you think about a tree? For some of us it can be very personal, for some it can be something practical, for others – intriguing, distant, aesthetical, sentimental, irrelevant… The meaning of the tree in human society has changed over the centuries, and our understanding of trees has changed too, from ancient spiritual connectedness to modern scientific discoveries. From Wood Wide Web, to the loneliness of a city tree, from reforestation to deforestation, from tree as wood to tree as ecosystem and home to multiple beings. 

To help us shape this special piece that Rūta is composing for the ensemble, we need your input. We would love it if you could share your thoughts by contributing to our questionnaire (it will only take 5-10 minutes). You can click here to participate.
 

About the composer: Rūta Vitkauskaitė is a composer whose work bridges classical traditions, folk influences, and cross-disciplinary collaboration; exploring human connection with nature through ancient folk is at the heart of her research. Her music has been performed internationally by ensembles including the BBC Singers and the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, broadcast widely, and recognized with Lithuania’s Golden Stage Cross, the ARAM honour from the Royal Academy of Music, and shortlisting for the Ivors Classical Award. She is currently a Lecturer in Composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Photo credits
Picture of Rūta by Ilmė Vyšniauskaitė
Picture in the forest by Tomas Terekas