Red Note Ensemble and soundfestival have co-commissioned composer, writer and visual artist François Sarhan to make a new work for string quartet with a difference - François is inventing new instruments for the performers to play. We managed to get a sneak preview of some of his creations.
By reconsidering the string instrument, François is creating around eight new musical devices, keeping only the resonating string in each. Some will be based on traditional string instruments, adapted with strange bodies and horns, and some will be unlike anything you'll come across in a concert hall. Integrating recorded texts from historical figures, this new work explores the relationship between voice and instrument.
The new instruments, which are being built by luthiers Stephanie Irvine and Garri Kritjansson, will explore the role and attitude of the player, giving them a much riskier, fragile and touching task as a performer; to consider the notion of performance; what it means, how to communicate, express themselves and share the music with an audience.
The performers of Red Note are working closely with François for the world premiere at soundfestival this Autumn. François has an utterly unique and distinctive voice and this project promises to be one of the most innovative and exciting works to be created this year. After sound Festival, KEIN will head to Clermont-Ferrand in France and Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival.
The world premiere of KEIN takes place on Friday 28 October as part of soundfestival which runs from 20 October - 6 November 2016. The festival will also host composer in residence John De Simone.
This article was published on Creative Scotland website.
