Cocon

For COCON, Cello Octet Amsterdam and Nick Verstand create a fascinating scene: eight cellists on stage, enveloped by eight robotic arms that together form a moving cocoon around the musicians. As the cellists play, the mechanical structure slowly unfolds like an autonomous organism, undulating in pace with the music, in live interaction with the musicians.

The cocoon symbolises the embrace of Mother Earth as the source of life. The mechanical form represents human intervention and the destruction of that very source. The result is a delicate and intriguing interplay of light, music, performance and robotics.

Featuring pieces by Caterina Barbieri (arr. Alistair Sung), Kara-Lis Coverdale, KMRU & Abul Mogard (arr. René van Munster), Jesse Broekman and Qasim Naqvi.

Bio

Cello Octet Amsterdam is an ensemble of cellists dedicated to new music and interdisciplinary performances. The octet has collaborated with composers such as Philip Glass, Sofia Gubaidulina and Michael Gordon. After the premiere of his first piece for the octet, Arvo Pärt said: “The Octet is worth its weight in gold. I discovered this ensemble 10 years too late.”

Nick Verstand is a visual artist who explores human perception through spatial audiovisual compositions. He has collaborated with artists such as Björk, Caterina Barbieri, Lykke Li, Suzanne Ciani, Eefje de Visser and Charlotte Adigéry.

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>>> This concert is part of highlight For Real.
Performing Arts Festival focusing on new technology

30CC Leuven, NTGent and Cultuurcentrum Brugge are proud to present For Real, a brand-new touring festival that brings together three cities and three theatres to explore new technologies in the performing arts.

More info

www.cellooctet.com
www.nickverstand.com

cello Alistair Sung, Claire Bleumer, Esther Torrenga, Geneviève Verhage, René van Munster, Rares Mihailescu, Sanne Bijker and Sanne van der Horst artistic direction, set design and lighting design Nick Verstand concept and co-production Cello Octet Amsterdam, Nick Verstand hardware design and engineering Daniel de Bruin motion and software engineer Wes Broersen electronica engineer Pim Swinkels creative technical producer Wout Panis sound design music Paul Jeukendrup