Mario Diaz de Leon presents the world premiere of a new body of live electronic work, from an upcoming series of releases on Denovali Records. Composed for a vividly textured ensemble of synths, the gradually unfolding movements of Heart Thread encompass a balance between hypnotic minimalism and expansive variations. The program features lighting design by Nicholas Houfek (International Contemporary Ensemble) and a collaboration with flutist Laura Cocks (TAK Ensemble).
Mario Diaz de Leon: synthesizer and electronics
Laura Cocks: flute
Nicholas Houfek: lighting design
Mario Diaz de Leon is an NYC-based composer, guitarist, and producer, whose work spans the worlds of modern classical music, experimental electronic music, improvisation, and metal. His varied output has been celebrated for its “hallucinatory intensity” (New York Times), “snarling exuberance” (Pitchfork), “remarkable textures and vivid atmosphere” (New Yorker Magazine), and featured at venues including Walt Disney Concert Hall (Los Angeles), CTM Festival (Berlin), Donaufestival (Krems, Austria), and Southbank Centre (London). Diaz de Leon holds a doctorate in music composition from Columbia University, and is currently Assistant Professor of Music and Technology at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Laura Cocks is a New York-based flutist who works in a wide array of creative environments as a performer and promoter of contemporary music. Laura is the flutist and executive director of TAK ensemble, and a member of the Nouveau Classical Project and the Association of Dominican Classical Artists. They can be heard with TAK, International Contemporary Ensemble, Talea, Wet Ink Ensemble, and others on labels such as Carrier Records, ECM, Centaur Records, New Focus Recordings, Sound American, Denovali, Orange Mountain Music, Chambray Records, Amplify, TAK editions, Double Double Whammy, Winspear, Supertrain, and Gold Bolus.
Nicholas Houfek is a NYC based lighting designer working in music, theater, and dance. Mr. Houfek has worked with So Percussion (Lincoln Center Festival and Carnegie Hall,) The Bang on a Can All-Stars (Carnegie Hall) and ICE (Mostly Mozart, Miller Theater, Roulette, BAC). Tours with Natalie Merchant, Martha Graham, ArmitageGone! Dance, Deborah Hay, 360º Dance, and Jonah Bokaer as Lighting Supervisor. As an Assistant he has worked for New York City Ballet, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Lincoln Center Festival and Fall for Dance at NYCC.
