Exotica

Sixtrum's 2nd season opens with the Canadian premiere of Exotica by Kagel.

Spirit of Theatre, Humour, and Musical Creativity

Composed between 1971 and 1972, Exotica was written for non-occidental instruments and voice. Each performer simultaneously becomes an instrumentalist and a vocalist, playing in the style of traditional musicians. Kagel explains: "In Exotica, I did not want to incorporate modes, figures, and exotic rhythms in a scholarly fashion, but on the contrary, in a savage state, natural, unrefined. […] In Exotica, we are always suspended above an exciting precipice, nothing to do with ethnic music, nor with serial combinations of contemporary music […]"

By combining occidental musicians facing the challenge of playing instruments of diverse origins, with authentic recordings of traditional music, disguised voices, and sounds never heard before, Exotica proves to be a unique work where a theatrical spirit and sense of humour meet musical creativity.

Resonances Today

Nearly 40 years after its composition, and at a time where the question of cross-culturalism and its necessary compromises are in the front pages of the media, Exotica proposes a reflection on the music of The Other. This work acts as a large mirror on stage that reflects our perception of the world and invites the audience to travel with Sixtrum to the borders of musical identity.

A Reinforced Team and Instruments from Around the World

To realise the "challenge" imagined by Kagel, Sixtrum has called upon stage director Michel G. Barette, experienced in musical theatre and in the universe of Kagel, as well as the team of Monique Deroches, director of the "Laboratoire de recherche sur les musiques du monde" at the Université de Montréal (LRMM).  Sixtrum, joined by flutist Guy Pelletier in their sonor explorations, have had the opportunity to choose their instruments from the best of sources in the treasure chest of instruments in the collection of the LRMM.

Sixtrum Percussion Ensemble presents
EXOTICA

Friday, September 19, 2008 – 8:00pm
Salle Claude-Champagne
University of Montreal
220, Vincent-d’Indy, Montreal
(metro Edouard-Montpetit)
$20, $18 (seniors), $10 (students),
free (students of the Faculty of Music of UdeM)
Box Office ADMISSION : 514 790-1245
Information : 514 343-6427