For his Roulette Commission, Qasim Naqvi will perform two new works—a solo study for modular synthesizer and a chamber work for piano, string trio, and three improvisers, featuring Caroline Davis, Grey Mcmurray, Scott Colberg, and members of the International Contemporary Ensemble.
A note from Naqvi on the inspiration behind the work:
“In 2015, I was invited to create music for a video installation, and through that project I began to study the music of New York composer Earle Brown and the early work of the Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki. What drew me to both composers was their unique approach to open form and graphic notational systems—a symbolic notational language that allowed for broad interpretive possibilities within an ensemble. When infused with traditional musical notation and very concise parameters, the result for me was a kind of magical tightrope between legible and illegible musical form. Like an image distorting and rippling back into its natural state. Through this study, I created a series of works utilizing a graphic notational system of my own design. This evening’s music is a continuation of that language, which I am revisiting after almost a decade.
These pieces are dedicated to Roulette Intermedium. Creative music institutions have risen and fallen over the decades, yet Roulette has persevered, programming some of the most uncompromising and adventurous art in the world. This music is a dedication to their spirit.”
Qasim Naqvi modular synthesizer
Caroline Davis alto saxophone
Grey Mcmurray prepared acoustic guitar, electric guitar
Scott Colberg acoustic bass
*FREE FOR ALL ROULETTE MEMBERS *
A livestream will be available free of charge at 8pm on the day of the performance and archived for future viewing.
USE CODE EARLYBIRDER AT CHECKOUT FOR $5 OFF TICKETS — ENDS AUGUST 31ST.
Qasim Naqvi is a percussionist, composer, and synthesist. Along with being the drummer of lauded cult minimalist trio, Dawn of Midi, Naqvi is an accomplished solo artist and his passion for multidisciplinary work has brought him into the world of film, dance, installation art, and the stage of orchestral and chamber music. His concert music has been commissioned and performed by The London Contemporary Orchestra, The BBC Concert Orchestra, Crash Ensemble, Bang on a Can All Stars, Jennifer Koh, Stargaze, The Cello Octet of Amsterdam, The Helsinki Chamber Choir and others. Most recently Naqvi scored Showtime and Tremolo Productions’ true crime mini-series, The 12th Victim. Other collaborations include original music for the Academy Award winning documentarian Laura Poitras, and Turner Prize nominated filmmaker and installation artist Naeem Mohaiemen.
