World-renowned Belgian choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker's latest work Mystery Sonatas/ for Rosa opens a series of international visits of Dance House Helsinki. The monumental work, which is linked to the theme of resistance, brings together baroque music and contemporary dance.

Music and geometry have always been central to the work of Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker. In Mystery Sonatas / for Rosa, these interests come together through a symbol – the rose. With a long history of symbolism in art history and literature, the rose often represents secrecy and mystery.

De Keersmaeker’s work is closely tied with music, and now she connects with the “Mystery” or “Rosary” sonatas of Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber. Written around 1676, the Mystery Sonatas is a musical translation of the fifteen Sacred Mysteries of the life of the Virgin Mary.

Drawing on the religious practice of saying the rosary, Biber’s Mysteries divide into three cycles: five joyful, five sorrowful, and five glorious sonatas. The music is biblical, and also an invitation to dance. Circularity, repetition and petal-like patterns allow for transformations to unfold with the music. Six dancers move through the sonatas.

The mystery of music and movement is intertwined with the skilful stage and lighting design by Finnish artist Minna Tiikkainen. Sculptural lighting, sound and dance form a monumental work of art that opens the door to de Keersmaeker's enigmatic and contradictory choreographic world.

In this choreography, roses are not just used for their beauty, but for their resistance – with every rose comes its thorns. This work is dedicated to women of resistance—Rosa Bonheur, Rosa Luxemburg, Rosa Parks, Rosa Vergaelen, and Rosa, the 15-year-old climate activist who died in the Belgian floodings of 2021.

Artist talk on 16th June

The “Mystery” or “Rosary” sonatas of Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber in the work are interpreted by Gli Incogniti that is led by the internationally renowned violinist Amandine de Beyer.

After the performance on 16th June, Beyer will talk about the role of baroque music in the work and about the working process. She will be accompanied by Finnish harpsichordist Marianna Henriksson, who has also worked closely with contemporary dance.