Vienna Improvisers Orchestra
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.