HERMESensemble - Koen Kessels

Koen Kessels and his HERMESensemble are collaborating with Joan La Barbara, in pursuit of the unconventional ideas of one of the most striking artistic figures of the 20th Century - John Cage (1912-1992). His legacy, his intelligent conceptualism, memorable compositions, bizarre performances, media works, and the infinite number of impressive interpretations are equally vilified and honoured. It is the idiosyncrasy of the snap shot to set demands on the viewers awareness. Such are the varied perceptions underlying Cage's work, which have turned the unrestrained power of minimalism into such an experience - time after time. Joan La Barbara, voice artist and composer, was actually a major force behind the creations of the vocal oeuvre of John Cage. The route pursued by Hermes and La Barbara is an ode to the unquenchable desire for freedom and inventiveness, characteristics, which John Cage possessed above all the other stars of his era - as a mediator, philosopher, propagandist, Zen Buddhist, musician and innovator. This route leads to 4'33" of silence, which Cage composed in 1962. This silence will be complimented by a video installation. We asked two Flemish composers to write a work with 4'33" as point of departure. Young Bram Van Camp (°1980) will proceed from his passion for time and time perception. Luc Brewaeys (°1959) will deal with Cage's silence in his own resolute manner. Thus, do not expect sheer silence.