PHILADELPHIA – From April 1 – 3, Ars Nova Workshop will present Three Days in Philadelphia, a multi-night concert series showcasing the work of acclaimed Dutch ensemble Instant Composers Pool Orchestra (ICP), in a rare U.S. appearance. The internationally celebrated tentet has engaged audiences with their unique blend of tradition and experimentation for over 40 years.
Instant Composers Pool Orchestra blurs the lines between improvisation and composition with their distinctive, and oftentimes theatrical, practice of “instant composing,” while juxtaposing historically disparate music styles with wit and brilliance. From ragtime to swing, composed pieces to improvisation, bop to free jazz, classical to carnivalesque, the ICP Orchestra continues to be at the forefront of the creative music scene that they have been so influential in founding, proliferating, and supporting over the last four decades.
The group’s most recent album ICP 049 earned the number one spot on Francis Davis’ “Best Jazz Albums of 2010” list for The Village Voice. “The latest, typically superb effort from this 10-member Dutch outfit … [is] as swank and precise as it is rollicking, and knowingly evocative of both Ellington and the wildest and woolliest free jazz,” commented Davis.
As their recent video for “STEIGERPIJP” (2010) proves, ICP Orchestra continues to combine their robust playfulness with rigorous musical exploration. “Improvising is like everyday life, it’s like crossing the street,” proclaims ICP drummer Han Bennink.
The ICP concert series will take place at Philadelphia’s historic Christ Church Neighborhood House (20 North American Street, Philadelphia) in Old City. Tickets are available now online at www.arsnovaworkshop.com. Admission is $12 for a single event or $30 for a 3-Concert Pass.
“We’re thrilled to be presenting three nights of Instant Composers Pool Orchestra,” says Ars Nova Workshop Director, Mark Christman. “ICP is one of the most critical avant-garde music collectives to emerge from the late-1960s. Embracing cosmopolitanism and a courageous musical vision, they shaped the foundation that today’s experimental musicians must build upon. Over forty years later, they continue to be at the forefront of redefining and enhancing those very structures, offering both insight into a rich musical tradition and its vibrant future.”
A collective of Dutch improvisers and composers, ICP was formed in 1967 by Misha Mengelberg, Han Bennink, and Willem Breuker to further the cause of experimental, category-bending music. The current line-up consists of 10 of the most inventive artists from around the globe, truly exemplifying the cosmopolitan and relentlessly creative drive that has animated the collective since its founding. ICP features Michael Moore, alto saxophone + clarinet; Ab Baars, tenor saxophone + clarinet; Tobias Delius, tenor saxophone + clarinet; Thomas Heberer, trumpet; Woller Wierbos, trombone; Misha Mengelberg, piano; Mary Oliver, violin; Tristan Honsinger, cello; Ernst Glerum, bass; Han Bennink, drums.
In addition to the venerable ensemble, ICP founded the artist-run ICP Records, which has released over 45 albums and is the longest running label of its kind.
Instant Composers Pool Orchestra
Three Days in Philadelphia
Friday, April 1 – Sunday, April 3, 2011
Friday, April 1 at 8:00 p.m. | tickets + more program info
Saturday, April 2 at 8:00 p.m. | tickets + more program info
Sunday, April 3 at 8:00 p.m. | tickets + more program info
Venue: Christ Church Neighborhood House (20 North American Street, Philadelphia)
Tickets: $12 single event general admission / $30 ICP 3-Concert Pass**
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