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Karl Ove Knausgård and Glenn Kotche: Historia

Film by Johan Renck

In a rare, multi-dimensional meeting of literature and percussion, Norwegian author Karl Ove Knausgård and Wilco’s Glenn Kotche come together at the Barbican for the UK premiere of Historia – a shared evening of words and music that celebrate collaboration, craft and friendship. 

At the centre of the programme is Historia, a collaboration that integratesKnausgård’s textual prowess with Kotche’s sonic explorations, accompanied by visuals from director Johan Renck (HBO’s Chernobyl and David Bowie’s Blackstar). Additionally, the evening features readings from Knausgård’s recently released book, The School of Night – hailed by The Times "a damned masterpiece" – and a selection of Kotche’s compositions, spanning new material and works from his celebrated catalogue. Following concerts in New York and Minnesota, the Barbican concert will be the UK Premiere and only UK performance of this kind. 

A defining voice in contemporary literature, Knausgård debuted with Out of the World (1998), the first debut novel to win the Norwegian Critics’ Prize and earned seminal status with the My Struggle cycle of novels. Kotche, longtime drummer of Wilco, has toured worldwide, earned multiple Grammy accolades, and built a distinguished compositional career with commissions from leading ensembles and institutions including Kronos Quartet, Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble, and Carnegie Hall.

Taking place in 2026, the event will close with a conversation between the established artists on their creative process, inviting the audience to engage with and reflect on the communion between two singular voices in their respective fields. 

"Knausgård is among the finest writers alive." – The New York Times

“In the hands of a musician like Glenn, the drum set is a one-man percussion orchestra." – John Luther Adams

Produced by Liquid Music. Presented by the Barbican.

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