Latvian-born composer, performer, and improviser Ilmārs Šterns, based in Bern, Switzerland, investigates the intersections of musical and choreographic art forms through transdisciplinary approaches that redefine contemporary performance.
Latvian-born composer, performer, and improviser Ilmārs Šterns, based in Bern, Switzerland, investigates the intersections of musical and choreographic art forms through transdisciplinary approaches that redefine contemporary performance.
“Informed by the interplay of sound, movement, and bodily experience, I create immersive performances that explore the connections between the body and music. I employ a transdisciplinary approach that intertwines vocal expression with body movement, crafting a vibrant exchange where sound and movement engage with one another. I invite audiences to explore the physicality of sound in novel ways. Influenced by philosophy, psychology, and various music practices, I delve into themes of embodiment and the interaction of voice with resonant instruments. By transcending linguistic boundaries, my work fosters a multisensory experience of self-discovery and connection through both shared and newly evoked emotions, prompting spectators to form their own interpretations within the resonance of movement and sound.”
Recent accolades include a Studio Scholarship from the Landis & Gyr Foundation (2025) and a Creative Scholarship from the Latvian State Culture Capital Foundation (2023). Šterns’ notable projects include “Two Humans & a Harp,” nominated for the Nicati Prize in 2023, and “Sound Performances for Clothes and Experimental Voice,” nominated for the “Excellence in the Arts” award in 2020. With degrees in Contemporary Music, Scenography, and Performing and Sound Art, his work spans various festivals, events and exhibitions across Europe and beyond. Šterns continues to engage diverse audiences through innovative performances, workshops, and collaborations.