Bruchlinien – Carte Blanche für Lars Mlekusch

In this programme, the Phoenix Ensemble presents three compositions that in different ways explore friction, resistance and vulnerability. Zara Ali, Laura Bowler and Hannah Kendall create sonic spaces in which technological systems, physical experiences of pushing boundaries and social tensions intertwine. What unites these works is music that does not soothe, but challenges. It deals with pressure and being overwhelmed, with exclusion and belonging and with the question of how the past shapes our present.

Zara Ali’s «Isolation Forest» is inspired by an anomaly detection algorithm. Within dense microtonal soundscapes, individual instruments emerge as anomalies, breaking away from the collective only to become part of it once more. Between mathematical order and organic movement, questions arise about belonging and isolation.

Hannah Kendall’s «Even Sweetness can scratch the throat» takes its title from a poem by Ocean Vuong. At its heart lies the ambivalence of sugar: whilst it represents sweet pleasure, it is at the same time inseparably linked to the painful history of colonialism and exploitation. Kendall translates this tension into her multi-layered music.

The focus of the evening is on Laura Bowler as a composer and soloist with her work «fff». Out of anger, frustration and exhaustion, a musical and physical experience unfolds that pushes the boundaries. The voice grows increasingly intense until the expression culminates in an existential cry. In doing so, Bowler transcends the boundaries between composition, performance and music theatre. For Lars Mlekusch the performance also marks a personal reunion with the work: he conducted the world premiere of «fff» at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival back in 2017.

Together, the three works unfold a panorama of contemporary composition that brings technological, social and historical interconnections to life, whilst coming across as both precise and immediate. (Lars Mlekusch)

With

Laura Bowler (voice); Ensemble Phoenix Basel; Lars Mlekusch (musical director)

Program

Zara Ali (*1995): «Isolation Forest» (2023) for large ensemble and electronics
Hannah Kendall (*1984): «Even sweetness can scratch the throat» (2023) for ensemble
Laura Bowler (*1986): «fff» (2023) for voice and an 8-piece ensemble with live and recorded electronics and video

Info

Concert introduction with Jürg Henneberger, one hour before the concert begins:
Sat. 12th December 26 at 7.00 pm
Sun. 13th December 26 at 6.00 pm

Duration

60 minutes, with break

Prices

CHF 35.-/25.-/15.- (free choice at the box office or in advance)
Free admission applies to persons with residence permit N, F or S. / CHF 5.- students of the Hochschule für Musik FHNW and the Musicology Seminar of the University of Basel / CHF 10.- members Colourkey, KulturLegi and children under 12 years.

Links

→ ensemble-phoenix.ch