Anthony Braxton's Sonic Genome Project

The Sonic Genome is one of the most thrillingly ambitious experiments by musical visionary/saxophonist/composer Anthony Braxton: less a concert than the creation of an interactive musical environment. For eight continuous hours, 50+ performers use the compositions and improvisational languages developed by Braxton through his 40 years of artistic investigation to create a living sound world. Ensembles form and split apart like cells dividing and reforming into new organisms; likewise, the members of the audience are invited to be active participants, choosing who and what to listen to as they move about the space.

Braxton enlists the band members of the 12 + 1 tet as his musical lieutenants in the endeavour, with each given the responsibility of leading sub ensembles of the larger group. The rest of the performers are drawn from the surrounding community, ranging from local professionals to college and high school students.

In addition to being a massive statement by a master artist, the Sonic Genome also serves as a powerful tool for creating bonds in the local community. No listener or performer emerges unmoved by the experience; participants describe the event as “life-changing,” resulting in new friendships, and lasting artistic inspiration. And while Braxton conducted a Sonic Genome as a recording project in 2003 (to be released as an interactive DVD in the next year), the Vancouver performance will be the world premiere of the project as a public performance.

With Anthony Braxton reeds/composition, Taylor Ho Bynum cornet/trumpet/flugelhorn/bass trumpet, Nicole Mitchell flutes, Andrew Raffo Dewar, James Fei reeds, Steve Lehman saxophones, Sara Schoenbeck bassoon, Jessica Pavone violin/alto viola, Mary Halvorson electric guitar, Reut Regev trombone, Jay Rozen tuba, Carl Testa double bass/bass clarinet, Aaron Siegel drums/percussion/vibes.

Plus Vancouver artists, Brad Muirhead trombone, Coat Cooke sax, François Houle clarinet, Gordon Grdina guitar/oud, John Korsrud trumpet, J.P. Carter trumpet/ cornet, Kenton Loewen drums, Paul Plimley guitar, Torsten Müller bass, Viviane Houle vocals...and 37 other, gifted improvisers!

Presented  in association with PuSh International Performing Arts Festival