Bill Covitz (U.S.A.) will create an ice harp
Music emanating from the eternal ice – that's what's happening at the Schnals Valley Glacier in South Tyrol at 3,200 meters above sea-level. This coming winter, from February 26 through till March 7, 2010, this unique event is being held for the fourth time. At the iceDome, a giant ice cathedral designed especially for this event and located in the ski area of the Schnals Valley Glacier, just 1 km as the crow flies from the place where the Ice Man "Ötzi" was discovered, crystal clear music emanates from the ice. The acoustics in the dome, which is approx 18 meters high, are phenomenal.
Besides the acoustics, the unusual location at the glacier and the magnificent architecture of the "cathedral" of snow and ice, with the stage, the rows of seats, and the bar – everything made of ice – all contribute to the remarkable character of this unusual musical experience. During the summertime, the iceDome and its side wings were covered in protective insulation and a thick layer of snow so that it could withstand the high temperatures.
Even the lighting is in keeping with the unique character of the spaces in this remarkable structure, and exhibits chromatic effects guaranteed to add to the strange, fairytale-like atmosphere. Music from ice, the music of the spheres, sounds that will get under your skin, are all specialties of the artists from the far north. For days, the icy halls are home to musicians who come here to play instruments made of ice. Last year, these instruments included an ice horn, an iceophone, and an ice percussion instrument constructed and played by the Norwegian jazz musician and performance artist Terje Isungset. The Norwegian has long been famous for his performances at ice-themed and winter festivals held throughout the world. During the 2010 event, visitors will be able to hear real ice music played by Terje Isungset and accompanied by the unmistakable voice of his compatriot Lena Nymark; this winter, another highlight will be the construction of an ice harp by the American Bill Covitz. Sidsel Walstad, a respected Norwegian harpist and originally a member of the "Norwegian Opera Orchestra," will be playing crystal clear melodies on it during the 10-day festival.
At the conclusion of the iceMusicFestival, and continuing until Easter, visitors can gather at the iceDome for "chill-outs" held every Sunday – it's probably the "coolest" way to celebrate Après Ski in the Alps. And from Christmas till Easter of 2010, weekly guided tours of the impressive iceDome are conducted. You can reach the iceDome by ski from the Grawand mountain station in just a few minutes (follow sign-posts) or by foot from the Grawand mountain station by taking the Grawand chairlift and walking in about 20 minutes.
For additional information see under schedule and chill-out in the IceDome