A 20th century creative visionary who continues to influence electronic dance music will be remembered at a two-day event hosted by Liverpool Hope University.
The life and career of revered Greek-French classical composer, Iannis Xenakis, is set to be celebrated with back-to-back concerts at the Capstone Theatre in November.
Widely regarded as one of the most original composers, sound artists and musical thinkers of the 20th century, Xenakis pioneered innovations which inspire modern electronic dance music, including the granular synthesis sound processing technique.
Boasting a large and diverse body of work, his equally inventive approach to engineering, mathematical and architectural thinking also saw him collaborate with one of the pioneers of modern architecture in Le Corbusier, which served only to enhance his reputation as a creative thinker.
Now, a century on from his birth – and 21 years after his passing - Liverpool Hope University’s School of Creative and Performing Arts will honour his legacy with a series of concert presentations.
The University of Edinburgh’s Professor Peter Nelson will deliver the keynote address at the event, which takes place on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 November.
Professor Stephen Davismoon, Dean of the School of Creative and Performing Arts and Head of Creative Campus said: “I had the pleasure of working at Xenakis’ studio in Paris as a young man on several occasions and I have worked with his now legendary UPIC system.
“Xenakis’ open-minded approach to all arts in many ways mirrors our approach in the School of Creative and Performing Arts at Liverpool Hope University.”
The full programme of events includes:
Wednesday 2 November
6pm - Empire(s) of Stillness: An analytic presentation on Xenakis’ electronic masterpiece La Légende d’Eer by Andrew Leslie Hooker.
7pm - Elemental Sonic Particles – a concert presentation of a selection of electronic works by Xenakis and inspired by him including Liverpool Hope University’s Dr Manoli Moriaty and Professor Stephen Davismoon. Spatial diffusion by Professor Nikos Stavropoulos, Leeds Beckett University and Professor Peter Nelson, University of Edinburgh.
8pm - Multi-Channel Concert Presentation of Légende d’Eer, provided by Dr Nikolas Valsamakis, Hellenic Mediterranean University.
Thursday 3 November
6pm - Keynote Presentation on the work and legacy of Xenakis by Professor Peter Nelson University of Edinburgh.
7pm - Homage to Xenakis: A concert presentation featuring works by Xenakis and music that influenced him. Featuring Lauryna Sableviciute (piano) and Emma Lloyd (violin). It will also feature the world premiere of a new piano work by Professor David Canter, a PhD Composition student at Liverpool Hope University.
Tickets for this event are on sale now at Ticket Quarter and are priced at £10 or £8 for concessions.