Kinetic Sounds (2023)

A collaboration between DoelenEnsemble, House of Makers, and Rotterdam sound-art studio Klankvorm, exploring the bridge between human performance and machine-generated sound.

Kinetic Sounds is a mechanical sound installation built by Klankvorm: rotating sound sources whose movement directly shapes the sound the audience hears, surrounding the listener from every direction rather than from one point on a stage. Klankvorm describes the installation as a group of "robot musicians," each with its own voice, character, and motion. Around this installation, DoelenEnsemble's musicians performed newly commissioned works exploring the theme of sound and movement, alongside a live improvisation between sound artist Robert Pravda and the ensemble. The programme opened with a literal contest between pianist and machine, and closed with a piece for electronics, flute, piano, viola, and cello, dissolving the boundary between the two entirely.

Direction (House of Makers): Peter Leung, Brigitte van Hagen, Adriana Rio

Composers: Sascha Dragićević, René Uijlenhoet, Giulia Francavilla, Peter-Jan Wagemans, Rotor, Anni Nops, BJ Nilsen, Aftab Darvishi

DoelenEnsemble: Natalia Kulina (violin), Ursula Skaug (viola), Nikita (percussion), Marieke Franssen (flute), Ana Mikus (cello), Maarten van Veen (piano and conductor)

Kinetic Sounds installation, concept and construction: Eelco Ottenhof, Joris Strijbos (Klankvorm)

Sound artist: Robert Pravda

Performed 20 April 2023, Jurriaanse Zaal, De Doelen, Rotterdam.