HALO: A Tribute to Alvin Lucier by String Noise Violin Duo

Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 7:30pm
World Music Hall

FREE!

“Lightning fast reflexes and warmly matched sounds.” —The New York Times

New York violin duo String Noise presents a tribute to the late legendary composer and John Spencer Camp Professor of Music Emeritus Alvin Lucier (1931-2021). In addition to the three works from their self-titled album String Noise on Black Truffle Records (”Tapper,” “Love Song,” and “Halo”), they will perform three new works written specifically for them in homage to the composer by Orlando Jacinto Garcia, Jacob David Sudol, and Professor of Music Paula Matthusen.

The performance will include a range of noise, from violins intertwined by piano wire, to FM transmission radio feedback, to live quadrophonic electronic processing and spatialization, to activation of sonic resonances of the room by striking the body of the instrument with the butt of the violin bow. The evening will close with a group performance of Halo for One or more violins. Featuring Conrad Harris, violin, Pauline Kim Harris, violin, and Jacob David Sudol, live electronics, along with guests to be announced.

String Noise, New York’s most daring violin duo, is composed of violinists Conrad Harris and Pauline Kim Harris. Recognized for their distinct blend of disparate genres, from arrangements of songs by punk legends to conceptual minimalist treatises by Alvin Lucier, they have expanded their repertoire with over 50 new works since their debut at Ostrava New Music Days in 2011. Nearly a decade later, they continue to break down the boundaries of traditional expectations and inspire innovative compositions, displaying formidable virtuosity while integrating multimedia art, electronics, improvisation, video projections, opera, and dance. Premieres by String Noise include works by George Lewis, Christian Wolff, Michael Byron, David Behrman, Alvin Lucier, John King, Phill Niblock, Caleb Burhans, Catherine Lamb, David Lang, Petr Kotik, Du Yun, Annie Gosfield, Bernhard Lang, John Zorn, Greg Saunier, Alex Mincek, Tyondai Braxton, James Ilgenfritz, Richard Carrick, and others. String Noise has recorded for Northern Spy Records, Dymaxion Groove, Black Truffle Records, Cold Blue Records, New Focus Recordings, Infrequent Seams, Nouveau Electric Records, and Astre d’Or; and has been featured on WNYC, WKCR, WFMU, and BBC Radio.

String Noise previously performed works by Wesleyan graduate student composers in World Music Hall in December 2022.