Improvisation: Chaos or Control?
Sentralen/Gymsalen
13 September, 1 – 2 pm
Free entry
Panel: Ivar Grydeland, Maja S. K. Ratkje, Mira Benjamin
Moderator: Rob Young
The dialogue between different types of music is becoming increasingly frenetic, and boundaries between practices and approaches more and more fluid. Improvisation is often an integral part of composed work, while jazz and free music often involve partly composed strategies. What can each learn about the other? Three musicians with a foot in each approach come together to discuss the freedoms and limitations.
Norwegian guitarist Ivar Grydeland has recently researched hidden structures within recorded improvisations with the aid of digital analysis. Maja S. K. Ratkje has worked with both freely improvised techniques in her solo work and in SPUNK, as well as more formal compositions such as choral and operatic pieces. Mira Benjamin is a Canadian violinist, researcher and new-music instigator. She performs new and experimental music, with a special interest in microtonality & tuning practice. She performs at Ultima as a part of the bristish group Apartement House.
This panel will help dispel the myths that free music is anarchy, and that composed music is the work of control freaks.
Balanseprat #6
Sentralen/Gymsalen
13 September, 6 – 7 pm
Free entry
Natasha Barrett
Rune Rebne
Karin Rehnqvist
Moderator: Peter Meanwell
Balansekunst is dedicated to examining and boosting the role of women in contemporary culture. In this panel discussion, composers Natasha Barrett, Rune Rebne and Karin Rehnqvist will discuss how the role of the composer has developed, and how this role has been specifically influenced by women working in the field. The moderator is Peter Meanwell, Artistic Director of the Borealis Festival in Bergen. Introduction by Guro Kleveland from Balansekunst.
In collaboration with Balansekunst and The Norwegian Academy of Music.
Ultima Academy is supported by Norwegian Society of Composers.
