VIENNA IMPROVISERS ORCHESTRA
unfolding poetic vision(s) on common ground
The VIENNA IMPROVISERS ORCHESTRA (VIO) creates spaces for joint action, such as for the concert unfolding poetic vision(s) on common ground. The work is created as it is performed. The musicians and the conductor, known as the ‘instant composition conductor’, collaborate closely and keep up their musical dialogue throughout the process. In shared responsibility and in every moment, they negotiate the route they take together: Each initiative brings a change of perspective, which in turn opens new options for action within the poetic space. Evenly suspended attention and multi-directional readiness for dialogue are key elements of this process-driven collaboration.
The VIO has fuelled a special discourse of experimental composition and complex improvised music for major ensembles. The musicians and the conductor design ‘moment compositions’ that become reality in an oscillation of ensemble improvisation and structuring conducting called ‘instant composition conducting’. This practice is not unrelated to creations by composers such as Bruno Maderna, John Zorn and most of all New York loft scene legend Butch Morris, but is executed by the VIO absolutely and exclusively impromptu. Thus, the VIO creates a terrain for an unforeseeable space of what is possible with sound, multiplied by the fact that every concert is played by different ensemble constellations and involves at least one new participant. A complex web of content and personnel opens a highly energetic zone of self-referencing, collective phrasing and designing of structure and texture. Since its foundation, the VIO has explored the possibilities of instant composition conducting as a visionary sound practice and musical utopia. This final concert of its series VIO 2024/20 Years at brut Wien is yet another celebration of the orchestra’s 20th anniversary.
The VIENNA IMPROVISERS ORCHESTRA (VIO) is one of the first continuous improvisational orchestra in the world. Founded in 2004, it has been invited to the legendary Moers festival in Germany, to Wien Modern and the ArtActs festival as well as to numerous visual art venues. So far, about 200 musicians and artists from close to 30 countries have been included in constellations which, while constantly varying, always have genders equally represented. Since the early days, the VIO has always co-operated with writers to forge (simultaneous) bonds between sound and language, with a focus on experimental poetry.
VIO founder Michael Fischer focuses on the language-immanence of sounds and its dramatic evidence in tenor saxophone. He creates soundscapes and instant composition conducting with improvisation orchestras and temporary big bands for international festivals and guest lectures.
Credits
Created by and featuring Vienna Improvisers Orchestra Artistic direction and instant composition conducting Michael Fischer
With the kind support of the City of Vienna’s Department of Cultural Affairs and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Civil Service and Sport (project: VIO 2024/20 Years)
Dates & Tickets
December 2024
Choose your price category: € 22/€ 18/€ 14 / Presale starts in November
brut nordwest
Nordwestbahnstraße 8-10, 1200 Vienna
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