Tribute to a Timeless Classic with a new music composition by Nina Iorik
As "Hedgehog in the Fog" animated movie celebrates its 50th anniversary, Nina Iorik's composition "The Miracle" pays tribute to the film, showcasing the lasting impact of Yuri Norstein's work on contemporary artists.
Nina Iorik shares, "My composition 'The Miracle' is inspired by the enchanting world of 'Hedgehog in the Fog', a masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its beauty and depth. I wanted to capture the essence of Norstein's storytelling and translate it into music."
Yuri Norstein's acclaimed animated film "Hedgehog in the Fog" (1975) is a timeless classic, based on a story by Sergei Kozlov. Created in collaboration with production designer Francesca Yarbusova, the film showcases their innovative and creative partnership. Sergei Kozlov was a Ukrainian writer and poet, best known for his children's stories. His simple yet profound tales are beloved to generations.
About The Miracle Composition
"The Miracle" is a work of music about finding beauty in the mundane. It portrays a day in the life of a bear cub. The cub awakens on a sunny morning, expecting something phenomenal to happen. As the day progresses, he engages in everyday activities, meeting other animals and helping them. Despite the ordinary events, the bear cub remains convinced that the miracle has not yet occurred. It isn't until sunset that he realizes the miracle was the entire day itself – the beauty of nature and the joy of simple experiences.
Nina Iorik adds, "Through 'Miracle', I aimed to convey the importance of appreciating the present moment and finding wonder in everyday life. I hope listeners can connect with the bear cub's journey and discover their own miracles."
"The Miracle" was developed as part of a young composers' workshop, where emerging talents are encouraged to explore their creativity and push the boundaries of music. The workshop provided a platform for Nina to experiment with innovative ideas and collaborate with other artists.
Composition written to a small ensemble and includes: piano, cello, violin, flute and bass clarinet.
Nina’s original composition was inspired by the sound theme of “Hedgehog in the fog”, written by Mikhail A. Meyerovich. The composer of the music for the animated film "Hedgehog in the Fog" is Mikhail A. Meyerovich. He created a beautiful and evocative score that complements the film's dreamlike atmosphere and emotional depth. The music in the film changes along with the character's mood and feelings, adding to the overall impact of the story.
Nina Iorik would like to extend her heartfelt thanks to her friends and family for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout the composition process. Their love and enthusiasm have been a constant source of inspiration.
Special thanks to: Marcin Pączkowski, Jeremy Jolley, Allison Damon, Nino Merabishvili, Paul Stovall, Alisa Sargsyan, Anna Vasilevskaya, Seattle Symphony Musicians.
Photo credit: Seattle SymphonyPremiere with the Seattle Symphony musicians
"The Miracle" will have its world premiere on June 8th by Seattle Symphony musicians at Benaroya Hall. Nina’s composition is written under the guidance of Marcin Pączkowski, an acclaimed composer and electronic music specialist.
"The Miracle" ties to the importance of being grateful for every day that we live. In the hustle and bustle of life, we sometimes forget to appreciate the present moment. Today is a miracle.
Photo credit: Neely GoniodskyThe story of a ‘Miracle’ will be continued
Nina Iorik and local artist Neely Goniodsky are teaming up to create an animated video inspired by "Hedgehog in the Fog," featuring Iorik's composition "Miracle." The project will pay tribute to the classic film's legacy and introduce its timeless themes to a new audience. Development begins this summer, supported by a fundraising campaign. Neely Goniodski brings expertise in traditional animation and visual effects to the project. Together, they aim to create a captivating animated video for audiences of all ages.
"Hedgehog in the Fog" has received widespread critical acclaim, including:
Best Animated Film, All-Union Film Festival (1976)
Golden Pelican Award, Mamaia International Animation Film Festival (1976)
Ranked #1 in "The 150 Greatest Animated Shorts" by critics and professionals worldwide.
Hayao Miyazaki, renowned Japanese animator and director, has often cited Yuri Norstein as a significant influence on his work. Miyazaki has praised Norstein's unique animation style and storytelling ability, which have inspired many animators worldwide.