Beamsplitter (Audrey Chen, voice/cello, & Henrik Munkeby Nørstebø, trombone)…………

… as with many seemingly incongruous pairings, what defines the subtle union of this duo are the deeper synergies that are simmering beneath the surface. Together, Nørstebø and Chen, with the three sound-sources of trombone, voice and cello, negotiate a balance between intimate fragility and the ecstatic. They share a common sense of pulse, an understanding of the way the other aurally manages each consecutive moment. The lungs release through to mouths to bell to strings, back and forth like a tactile breathing exchange.

Henrik Munkeby Nørstebø is a trombonist working mostly within contemporary fields of music. An ambiguous relationship with the trombone has led him to explore both the boisterous and brassy side of the instrument, as well as its counterpoint in microscopic and ‘electronic’ sound possibilities. Utilizing a wide spectrum of playing techniques ranging from pure long tones, to noise, to the almost inaudible, his works balance the intuitive with the precisely constructed.

Audrey Chen was born outside of Chicago into a family of material scientists, doctors and engineers however she turned to the cello at age 8 and voice at 11. After years of classical and conservatory training on both instruments, with a resulting specialisation in early and new music, she departed from her roots again in 2003, taking on new negotiations with sound in order to discover a more individually honest aesthetic. Now, still using the voice and cello, Chen’s work delves deeply into her own version of narrative and non-linear storytelling. A large component of her music is improvised, visceral, and extremely personal. Formally, Chen’s playing also explores preparations, traditional and extended techniques for both the voice and cello, as she works to join these elements into a singular ecstatic personal language.

The Projection Band is an improvised/sound/noise duo comprised of Ivan Mršić (invented instruments) and Phill Dryson (prepared guitar).

The Humouresque Icons is the duo of Hermione Johnson (prepared piano) and Jeff Henderson (saxophone)… they play wriggle and splat, zing and zat.

Wednesday 10 February @ Audio Foundation, doors 8pm
$10 (waged) / $5 (unwaged) on the door // no presales

Beamsplitter