In an evening that will be etched into the history of the BBC Proms, the Royal Albert Hall bore witness to a profoundly moving cultural event. The Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, under the dynamic baton of Pekka Kuusisto, provided a masterful backdrop for a truly historic moment: the Proms debut of music performed in the critically endangered Ume Sámi language.
The spotlight shone on Katarina Barruk, a Sámi artist and guardian of her linguistic heritage. Her performance was far more than a musical set; it was a powerful act of cultural preservation. Her voice, both hauntingly beautiful and resolutely strong, filled the vast hall, weaving the ancient sounds of Ume Sámi with contemporary musicality.
The audience was treated to the world premiere of Barruk's own 'Jåvle', a piece that seemed to draw its energy from the very landscapes of Sápmi. This was followed by her poignant rendition of 'Äppas', a work by fellow Sámi composer Ánná Káisá Partapuoli. Each note served as a testament to the resilience and vibrant beauty of a culture fighting to keep its voice alive.
The orchestra’s programme, featuring Nordic works by Kommand and Kaija Saariaho, was expertly curated to complement rather than overshadow Barruk's central message. Kuusisto's leadership created a sensitive and spacious soundscape that allowed the Ume Sámi language to resonate with clarity and profound emotional weight.
This concert transcended typical classical repertoire. It was a bold statement, a celebration of Indigenous identity on a global platform. The roaring, sustained applause that followed was a clear indicator: the audience had not just heard a performance; they had witnessed a vital piece of living history and a triumphant step for linguistic diversity in the world of high art.
