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CONTEMPORARY ACADEMIC & EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC CONCERT SERIES
august-november (2024) M/Darbnīca
Contemporary academic and experimental music is a broad and diverse genre, often also referred to as "modern classical music". This genre is characterised by complex structures, unusual instrumentation and unconventional performance techniques.
One of the characteristics of this music is its tendency to experiment with notions of time and space, as well as its interest in social, political and philosophical issues, which is reflected in the musical works. Improvisation is often a central element, allowing musicians to freely express their views and emotions.
/ The project's visuals use the sheet music of John Cage's Fontana Mix (1958). "Fontana Mix is one of Cage's best-known works and is representative of his experimental approach to music. The piece consists of several graphic scores, giving the performer great interpretation freedom. Each performance can be different, as the composer provides only basic guidelines, but leaves plenty of room for improvisation and chance. Cage's work reflects the essence of contemporary music, which is not afraid of innovation and exploring new paths.
line up / program
date / time / place
15.08.2024 | 20:00
at M/Darbnīca
Rhythm and melody are core elements in all musical traditions, from African rituals to contemporary music. This duo explores these through free improvisation, blending past and present in sonic meditations, energetic passages, or spontaneous musical rituals.
Simon Olderskog Albertsen is a Norwegian drummer based in Copenhagen, known for his work with the Espen Berg Trio and Wako. With over 20 album releases, he collaborates with musicians across Europe, showcasing a range of styles from chamber music to avant-garde jazz. Simon is recognized for his dynamic, sensitive musicality, and strong stage presence in the Scandinavian jazz scene.
Kārlis Auziņš is a Latvian saxophonist and composer, active in the European jazz and contemporary music scene. A graduate of the Amsterdam and Copenhagen conservatories, Kārlis is known for projects like "Auziņš. Čudars. Arutyunyan" and his quartet. His debut album was nominated for the Latvian "Golden Microphone" award, and his trio's album "Baltic" won the best jazz album category.
30.08.2024 | 20:00
at M/Darbnīca
Experience a magical evening with Finnish singer and flautist Heliä Mailiis Viirakivi, electric guitarist Gon Muruaga, and pianist Robert Fleitz, blending improvised and contemporary music.
Robert Fleitz is an acclaimed pianist and composer, praised for his innovative performances, including a successful debut at Carnegie Weill Recital Hall. He has performed in 25 U.S. states and 17 countries, winning the John Cage Award and the International Pro Musicis Award.
Gon Muruaga is a Helsinki-based electric guitarist and composer, known for his work in contemporary music, jazz, and experimental sound design. He collaborates with various Nordic and Baltic artists, creating immersive sonic experiences.
Heliä Mailiis Viirakivi is a Finnish artist who spans contemporary classical music, improvisation, and multidisciplinary projects. She has performed at festivals across Europe and serves as a curator and producer for various cultural projects, including the Music For Three Spaces series in Helsinki and the Hjorted Art and Music Festival in Sweden.
19.09.2024 | 20:00
at M/Darbnīca
The concert program "Electroacoustic Labyrinths," staged by cellist Miķelis Dobičins and pianist Rihards Plešanovs, features music for cello, piano, and electronics by composers from the late 20th century to today. A new composition by Latvian composer Alise Rancāne for piano and electronics will premiere on 15 August, alongside a reworked version of her piece for cello, piano, and electronics. The program also includes works by Welsh composer Richard Bennett, known for his subtle, atmospheric music, and Bulgarian composer Michael Goleminov, with his rough, pulsating sound patterns. Additionally, "On Being Wrong" by American composer Christopher Cerone will be performed, exploring the interaction between acoustic and electronic sounds.
10.10.2024 | 20:00
at M/Darbnīca
On 10 October, Kaspars Kurdeko and Ritvars Garoza will present a concert blending electronic and acoustic music with percussion and synthesizers. The duo will perform original compositions using textures, sevenths, and samples. Kaspars Kurdeko, a drummer and composer, is active in Baltic jazz and various musical projects, including composing for film, dance, and contemporary ballet. Ritvars Garoza, a pianist known for his original music and arrangements, is a member of the band Lupa, which won the 2023 Golden Microphone Award for Best Jazz Album. He also engages in experimental projects like the Woodpecker Project.
01.11.2024 | 20:00
at M/Darbnīca
The music series will conclude with a performance by electronic music maestro Platons Buravickis. A composer and pianist active since 2007, Buravickis has studied with numerous renowned teachers and participated in various composition and electroacoustic courses. He has received several awards, including the Nick Gotham Music Prize and prizes in composition competitions. His works have been featured at prominent events like Skaņu Mežs and Latvian New Music Days. A member of the Latvian Composers' Union since 2015, he also teaches composition and music programming at Jelgava Music Secondary School.