Few hold as much of an esteemed role in the evolution of contemporary composition and studio technique than Karlheinz Stockhausen. One of the most experimental and progressive composers of the 20th century, his innovations forever changed approaches to utilizing electronics in art music and the ways in which we listen. This classical renegade’s influence can still be felt today, inspiring everyone from Björk to Aphex Twin, Miles Davis to Animal Collective and more.
His magnum opus Licht—a seven opera cycle each representing a day of the week—is an epic 29-hour work for vocal, instrumental and electronic forces that is rarely performed given its length and the different configurations of musicians and spaces needed.
Several electronic compositions from this opus, performed by one of his original collaborators Kathinka Pasveer, are presented as two parts on separate evenings or in a full marathon with transformative lighting and video projections to fully immerse the audience in the all-encompassing, octophonic sound and surroundings. The vastness of the Wade Thompson Drill Hall is the perfect setting to fully realize these works as Stockhausen so boldly envisioned in their highly-anticipated North American premieres.
