Odi et Amo 2.0 – Chorknaben Uetersen meet Rockband

The goal of this campaign is to revise (or “modernize”) and record the oratorio Odi at Amo by Ugis Praulins. This work for choir and rock band was originally written in the 1990s and combines a traditional boys’ choir sound with modern pop and rock. Nearly twenty years after its premiere, the approximately 50-minute long piece will be expanded, modernized and recorded.

The project is being developed together with renowned musicians and partners from the classical and pop music scenes. For instance Anna-Maria Hefele (world famous overtone singing pop star thanks to her viral YouTube videos) will assume a leading role in the new version of the oratorio. Stefan Kuchel (saxophone) and Indra Tedjasukmana (beatboxing) will also be a part of the project. Confirmed members of our Odi et Amo band include Malte Kuhn (electric guitar), Torben Tietz (acoustic guitar), Bo Stockfleth (bass), Mathias Blässe (drums), Stefan Weith (keyboards), and Ugis Praulins himself (keyboards). Together, we will create a unique crossover project that blurs the boundary between classical and pop music.

The major goal of this project is to record Odi et Amo 2.0. Our plan is to have all the new music written and to record the corresponding CD so that it is ready for sale by the fall of 2018. With our project we hope to address friends of excellent, innovative choral music but we also want to reach out to open-minded fans of pop and rock music who are interested in the world of vocal music.

Many excellent works of traditional choral music already exist which are worth performing again and again. However, it is also important to break new ground and support the work of living composers. Become a part of Odi et Amo 2.0 and experience how one of the most well-known contemporary Baltic composers combines the sound of a traditional boys’ choir with modern pop and rock music. In the end you will hold a CD in your hands that will bring you as much listening pleasure as it brings enjoyment to the boys when they sing it!

The production of a choral CD is a cost-intensive endeavor – and this applies to Odi et Amo 2.0 as well. Expenses include recording the choir, professionally mixing the numerous tracks, and the production costs of the actual CD along with an extensive booklet. Added to this crossover project are expenses that arise through our collaboration with the composer.

Due to the revision and new compositions for various movements in the oratorio, fees for soloists and band members, the cost of rehearsals, individual instrumental recordings and mixing, Odi et Amo 2.0 is a major project that needs your help! You can make it possible for us to compensate the composer and the numerous artists working on the project, tackle the challenges of recording a CD with choir and rock band, and give the boys a unique experience.

If it looks as though we will surpass our goal, we already have several additional opportunities and campaigns up our sleeve!