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 20^th 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.