this was originally scheduled to take place on March 18
The Danish composer and installation artist Simon Steen-Andersen started making things when he was still a child and still puts things together and takes them apart again when composing. Sometimes he makes his own instruments, sometimes he writes for a symphony orchestra. He has always been fascinated with how sounds are produced. Black Box Music (2012) is just that: nothing but a conductor's had are visible in a black box, with a little curtain, which opens and closes. Props appear in the box, turning the performer into a percussionist. This is all filmed on a small camera and projected on a screen, accompanied by the Ensemble Modern. The strange thing is one is never sure whether the musicians are following the performer / percussionist - you could call him a maestro - or the other way round ... Who's producing which sounds? And how? A typical effect created by this jack of all trades of contemporary music, to whom the Ensemble Modern dedicate the 4th Happy New Ears concert of the season. Here's a detailed programme.
Portrait of Simon Steen-Andersen
Simon Steen-Andersen
Black Box Music for percussion solo, amplified box, 15 players and video (2012)
Simon Steen-Andersen Live video & electronics
Håkon Stene Percussionist / Performer
Norbert Ommer Sound
