Eric Wubbels will perform selections from Peter Ablinger's ground-breaking "Voices and Piano" series, with the composer at the mixing desk. The highlight of the evening is the world premiere performance of one of the newest additions to the series, a work using the voice of French radical intellectual and artist Georges Bataille.

"Voices and Piano" is an extensive cycle of pieces for recorded voice—usually a well-known artist or political figure—and piano. Begun in 1998, Ablinger's cycle will ultimately include about 80 pieces/voices (around four hours of music). The voices are taken from speeches, interviews, or readings, and rather than an accompaniment, the piano part provides what Ablinger calls "the analysis of the voice."

In addition to the premiere of “Georges Bataille,” the program will include pieces with the voices of Agnes Martin, Mila Haugová, Ezra Pound, Nina Simone, Setsuko Hara, Hanna Schygulla, Cecil Taylor, and Roman Opalka.

Admission: $10 for general admission, $8 for students and members.

This performance is part of MUSIC’S OVER: Listening with Peter Ablinger, a 9-day residency threading a series of talks, composition seminars, and experimental discussions in between multiple performance events featuring world premieres and internationally renowned ensembles, who will render Ablinger’s work alone and alongside other artists who enjoy his influence. The Richard and Mary L. Gray Center for Arts and Inquiry, in partnership with Goethe-Institut Chicago,  is thrilled to kick off the inaugural week of the new Gray Sound series with Peter Ablinger’s first visit to Chicago.

Related To:

• GRAY SOUND
• MUSIC’S OVER: Listening with Peter Ablinger