Background

Elvesang (eng.: Riversong) is the name of my solo double bass album released in January 2018. This website is dedicated to my solo work and my efforts to make a green transition as a touring musician.
 

The central, underlying inspiration of Elvesang is the relationship between human kind and nature. Human made climate change, and the destruction of ecological systems and extinction of species caused by human activity, are all deeply alarming aspects of this relationship. Despite our technological achievements, our social orders and our political systems, we are, after all, an inseparable part of nature. What harm we do to nature, we ultimately also do to ourselves.

Our moment in time is perhaps the most defining moment in the history of human civilisation. If we look at the history of planet earth, whose scientifically determined age is 4,54 billion years (with an error margin of about 50 million years), this moment in time passes by in the blink of an eye. Still the consequences of our actions will affect our common home forever. In the worst case scenario – dystopic as it may seem – how we choose move forward might very well mean the beginning of the end to most life on earth as we know it.

Such consequences are hard to grasp. To me, the only logical response is to do all that I can to help the situation. I have therefore put the transition to a more green way of living on top of my agenda, both in my personal life and as a touring musician. As part of the process, I decided to make this website to share my experiences. Both because I hope my actions might inspire others, and because I believe it is of the utmost importance that we, as a society, talk together about climate change as much as we possibly can. That we share our concerns, thoughts, experiences and ideas. That we put pressure on politicians to take serious action on climate change. Together, we can make an impact. Together, we can change our ways and build a sustainable and just future for all.

I would like to share some words by the amazing scientist and human being Stephen Hawking – one of the truly great minds of our time (the paragraph below is a short excerpt from his book “Brief answers to big questions” – published in 2018 after his death) :

“When we see planet earth from space, we see ourselves as a whole. We see the unity, and not the divisions. It is such a simple image with a compelling message; one planet, one human race. I want to add my voice to those who demand immediate action on the key challenges for our global community. I hope that going forward, even when I am no longer here, people with power can show creativity, courage and leadership. Let them rise to the challenge of the sustainable development goals, and act, not out of self-interest, but out of common interest. I am very aware of the preciousness of time. Seize the moment. Act now.” – Stephen Hawking

Oslo, February 2019

Sigurd Hole

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