Our opening night brings into focus the distinct ways that we listen and make sound in a specific space. Performances range from roaming acoustic sound, to illusory spinning waves and dense penetrating frequencies.

Cam Scott | Tektology (2016)

Stereo sound installation

Commissioned by the Cambridge-based company tick tock to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Thomas More’s Utopia, Tektology originates as a machine tracing of discarded ductwork, recorded and amplified in overlay to the shape and dimensions of innumerable concentric spaces. The rotary motion of the sound alludes both to utopia as a closed totality and an event perpetually forestalled, whilst fixing each listener at the centre of the soundscape, in abstract or isolated equality to their neighbour.

*Tektology will be presented in spaces of different dimensions throughout the festival.

Jim Denley (AU)

Australian artist Jim Denley has been exploring sound through a wide array of instrumentation and approaches for over four decades. With a particular focus on woodwinds and electronics, his history spans free improvisation, electro-acoustic, medieval and various ethno-traditional music. Presently, Denley sees his work as existing distinctly within Australian and Pacific cultural traditions. A ceaselessly active musician and explorer, with a focus on spontaneity and site-specificity in his work, we are thrilled to have him open our eighteenth edition with an improvised acoustic performance.

Alvin Lucier (US) | Criss Cross (2013)

Instructional score, performed by Curran Faris and Marie-France Hollier.
A recent and succinct illustration of the many works of the great American composer Alvin Lucier, this piece for two guitars uses simple, focused methods to illustrate the magical relationship between tones and the space they inhabit.

Kevin Drumm (US)

American artist Kevin Drumm established himself in the 90s as one of the most innovative voices of prepared guitar. Since then his work has expanded into electroacoustic composition and live electronics made with laptop computers and analog modular synthesizers. His style ventures from the raw and spare to the powerful and dense. With an extensive catalogue of releases, his work is championed worldwide. A distinctly unique musician whom we’ve long admired, we are honoured to have Kevin Drumm as our guest.