Kitchener’s Open Ears Competition Presents Revolutionary Performances And Interactive Experiences

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Graphic courtesy of Open Ears — Festival of Music & Sound
Graphic courtesy of Open Ears — Competition of Music & Sound

On the Open Ears — Competition of Music & Sound, you possibly can hearken to a leading edge experimental electroacoustic efficiency, learn the way to foley, discover cultural heritage, and extra. The Kitchener competition takes place Might 30 to June 2.

“It is rather, shall I say, one in all a sort expertise. It’s not a standard competition,” says Creative Director Richard Burrows.

Shaped again in 1998 by composer Peter Hatch, then a professor at Laurier College, the competition was designed beneath the auspices of the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony, and ran biennially. It was paired with an set up by CAFKA — Up to date Artwork Discussion board Kitchener and Space. These days, it operates as a separate entity.

We spoke to Richard Burrows, who has constructed a global profession as a percussionist exterior main the competition. He holds two Grasp’s levels from the College of Toronto, and performs wth TorQ Percussion Quartet as a founding member, amongst many different ensembles and collaborators. He’s been with Open Ears since he began as a junior inventive affiliate in 2012.

“We started to do what we referred to as “between the ears””, he says, that means occasions that happened between the biannual. “I’m now in my eighth yr as AD of the competition.”

Open Ears — Competition of Music & Sound

“That is extra of a bespoke cultural expertise,” Richard explains.

Whereas many music competition are related to fields and moveable loos, Open Ears takes locations throughout numerous venues within the Kitchener Waterloo space. “However, you’re additionally going to return throughout outside… interruptions, let’s say,” he feedback.

“We type of attempt to steer clear of the normal recital vibe. We attempt to break the norms of what a standard live performance is.”

He lists a few examples.

One of many highlights of the competition is headline act Vicki Chow, who might be presenting her work utilizing two projectors that spotlight her on stage in addition to add photographs, with audio system that can encompass the viewers for a 360-degree sound expertise. She’ll be performing the work Sierra by composer Jane Antonia Cornish, with immersive mild design by Ben Toht.

creek, by composer Deborah Carruthers, might be carried out outdoor close to the historic Schneider Home. The efficiency displays on the historical past of the group, and on the historical past and evolution of Schneider Creek over the a long time.

“Via the evolution of industries and housing – it’s a type of ecological reflection of how the creek has modified,” he explains. The musicians react to these adjustments, the erosion of the bands, and the viewers experiences the music because it flows together with the water.

“It’s a very attention-grabbing inventive expertise.”

L-R (clockwise): Pianist Vicki Chow; Composer & performer Bijuriya (Jonathan Goulet); Foley artist Michelle Hwu (Photos courtesy of Open Ears)
L-R (clockwise): Pianist Vicki Chow; Composer & performer Bijuriya (Jonathan Goulet); Foley artist Michelle Hwu (Photographs courtesy of Open Ears)

Guerrilla Pop Up Concert events

Richard calls it the flagship competition in Canada, “for doing these sorts of expertise based mostly guerrilla type of pop up concert events,” he says “There’s undoubtedly one thing to be stated for Peter Hatch and his imaginative and prescient. He actually was a visionary in that regard,” he says. “We’ve got stored that imaginative and prescient alive.”

It’s not solely about experimentation, it’s about providing audiences immersive experiences. “Our viewers expects novel experiences,” he says. “It’s the curious ear that brings them to the fesival.”

Arriving with out expectations is one of the best coverage. “That is part of what makes Open Ears so particular.”

Together with the concert events, the competition builds in outreach and interactive experiences, comparable to a self-guided audio stroll that enhances the Creek efficiency. Foley artist Michelle Hwu will lead workshops on find out how to create the sounds of video video games. Workshops are free, and open to the general public. A sound set up on the KW Artwork Gallery options drone footage of the area with audio accompaniment.

“There are some very attention-grabbing issues to expertise throughout the 4 days of the competition.’’

Most of the performances and installations incorporate components of social relevance, just like the surroundings, with a viewpoint that’s present. “I feel plenty of the inspiration — it’s a typical factor on this competition — artists who’re being very reactive to social and political occasions,” he says.

“Every little thing that you simply’ll see on this competition has been written within the final decade, and in some circumstances, inside the final yr.”

  • Discover out extra details about the Open Ears — Competition of Music & Sound , working Might 30 to June 2, and tickets, [HERE].

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