Atomic is excited to welcome ((( send + receive ))) for the second year in a row. Join us on October 19 and 20 for what is sure to be a fantastic line up!
Friday, October 19
CONCERT | doors 7:30 • concert 8:00 | $15 or $25 for Fri/Sat
DRIP MUSIC (BRECHT) | ANGELA FORGET (WPG) | TOMOKO SAUVAGE (FR/JP) | THE RITA (VAN)
A presentation of works created with water as the main sound source, this evening will begin with pure acoustic sound and will subtly increase amplification and manipulation of sources to build to dramatic heights of volume and distortion.
To begin the night we will present a performance of the formative work by American FLUXUS artist and composer George Brecht (1926-2008), the 1959 version of Drip Music, Fluxversion 1. Brecht was an integral member of the FLUXUS movement, and his work was fundamental in the development of sound-based art and conceptual approaches in art and music.
We are pleased to present a subtle and contemplative piece by Winnipeg interdisciplinary artist Angela Forget titled Gesture. This performance for amplified ice and player, presents a delicate and patient exploration of natural processes through microsounds.
Tomoko Sauvage has been developing her ‘natural synthesizer’ over many years utilizing ceramic water bowls, hydrophones, and feedback. Walking a delicate balance between chance and strategic control, her sensitively detailed music casts a spell on the listener with its hypnotic tones and organic movement.
To complete the night we will be dramatically changing the tone and volume with our final guest, Vancouver noise artist The Rita. Sam McKinlay (The Rita) has been a pivotal contributor to the global harsh noise scene for nearly two decades. A bizarre inclusion for our natural sound edition, one might think, but McKinlay’s obsession with sharks and WW2 frogmen has led to conceptual works using water and underwater diving apparatus with fascinating sonic results. We are excited to conclude this evening with his powerful Decima MAS work.
Saturday, October 20
CONCERT | 7:30 doors • 8:00 concert | $15 or $25 for Fri/Sat
STONES (CHRISTIAN WOLFF) | NMPERIGN (US) | AKIO SUZUKI (JP)
The final night of the festival will showcase acoustic performances making use of natural materials and phenomena, as well as familiar instruments, as extensions of the body.
The program will begin with a performance of the composition Stones by eminent American composer Christian Wolff (b. 1934). Wolff is the last living member of the New York School of composers, which included John Cage, Morton Feldman and Earle Brown. This narrative score will be interpreted and performed by the send + receive Temporary Ensemble featuring a cast of locals.
American duo Nmperign is composed of soprano saxophone player Bhob Rainey and trumpeter Greg Kelley. This duo has been working together in experimental improvisation for over a decade, exploring terrain shaped by a wide range of influences from classical music to punk rock. Selecting woodwind and horns was of specific interest to us this year as these instruments demand a particular physical engagement with their player, a dependency on the limitations of the body, of the lungs, the breath… Both players have expanded the language of these instruments and taken the possibilities of sound to new ends, creating an exciting and surprising collaboration.
We are honoured to conclude our 14th festival with one of the pioneers of sound art, Japanese artist Akio Suzuki. The artist who motivated the overall theme of this year’s festival, Suzuki embodies an important field of sound exploration that focuses on purposeful listening and a conceptual approach to natural materials and acoustic phenomena. A charming and down to earth artist, his performance will encompass a diversity of materials and invented instruments, creating a uniquely engaging concert experience.
