The project draws inspiration and working title from the “breath” of the accordion. Using the accordion and its bellows to power/trigger a series of other instruments/performers to play using breath and air in the manner of an Aeolian (wind) harp.
For instance, the accordionist may trigger a bellows that blows air across the strings of a violin, or a harp, as well as performing on his own instrument. The ensemble will consist of 12 players including strings, harpist, acoustic guitarist, percussionists and clarsach. The performance will be as akin to the notion of a kinetic sculpture as to a work for ensemble. 30 mins long, audience stand around the installation / performance.
Accordionist Andreas Borregaard, composer Maja Ratkje and video/sound artist Kathy Hinde will be in Bristol to workshop Aeolian ahead of its World Première in November at Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival.