Out of the (Music) Box

The Tab looks at the most innovative acts landing in Oxford this month

chorus contemporary music mash ox lork phronesis ray lee

The contemporary Oxford music scene is jam-packed with orchestras, bands, DJs,  musicians, composers…if it’s to do with music we’ve probably got it. The city provides a home for genres of music you’d be hard pushed to find anywhere else, and the contemporary music scene is fizzing with activity. This month features some of the most innovative projects so if you fancy pushing your musical boat out, look no further.


What? Chorus by Ray Lee

As part of Oxford’s Christmas Light Night 2012, “Chorus” presents an impressivive set of “sound sculptures” featuring an army of giant metal tripods with rotating arms.  At the end of each arm loudspeakers emit musical pitches whilst pulsating red lights are circled above the audience’s heads. This bizarre apocalyptic homage has continuities with his previous work, “Siren” which has toured three continents, captivating audiences from Amsterdam to Auckland and Melbourne to Minneapolis.

When? Friday 23rd November-5pm, 7:30pm, 9pm

Saturday 24th November-6pm, 8pm

Where? Oxford Castle Gardens

How much? Free

http://www.ocmevents.org/ocm/events/chorusrayleefriday



What? OxLOrk Concert

Oxford’s first Laptop Orchestra is run by and for students at Oxford University. Based on a similar project at Princeton University, the ensemble consists of a number of “performers” and their “instruments” (ie: a laptop, speakers and number of controlling devices). They aim to reproduce a performance typically associated with a real orchestra or chamber group but add to the effect by incorporating modern advances in electroacoustic music.   This is their first public concert and promises to be an exciting night, and certainly something a little bit different.

When? Friday 23rd November-8pm

Where? Holywell Music Room

http://www.facebook.com/events/287503324700417/

What? M@sh Marathon

The annual M@ash Marathon returns for another evening of innovative music making. Featuring newly composed works and theatrical pieces as well as music from a whole range of genres and cultures this evening promises to open musical doors you never knew existed. The sheer variety means there will be something for everyone.

When? Saturday 17th November-7pm

Where? Jacqueline du Pre Music Building

How much? Free

http://www.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk/jdp-music-building/mash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What? Phronesis

Jazz with a difference: this Danish trio can do it all. From cool grooving to funky drum beats they take musical risks and more importantly pull them off. Pioneering projects such as “Pitch Black” in which they performed and improvised in total darkness as part of last year’s Brecon Jazz Festival, the group are at the forefront of musical innovation and will certainly keep an audience on their toes.

When? Saturday 1st December-8pm

Where? The North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade

How much? £14/10

http://www.thenorthwall.org/moreinfo.php?ref=2012-12-01Phronesis