The ULYSSES network supports several emerging European ensembles, programming concerts where a new repertoire is promoted, thanks to commissions and reruns. NEKO3 is a Copenhagen-based contemporary music ensemble that pushes the boundaries of music, art, and performance through their innovative approach to sound, visuals and technology. With pianist Fei Nie, and percussionists Lorenzo Colombo and Kalle Hakosalo, the ensemble creates a unique experience for the audience by commissioning and premiering new works that incorporate elements of electronic and acoustic music, visual art and installations.

NEKO3 performs twice at Time of Music 2024. On July 5, they premiere the installation work Matrix of Modernity by the Finnish composer Walter Sallinen and dramaturg-writer Klaus Maunuksela, in which the audience moves among performers during the performance and has an influence on the varying form of the work. The work was inspired by the algorithm game Game of Life, which was played on Commodore 64.

Next, on July 7, NEKO3 performs “Angel Death Traps”, a song cycle by Alexander Schubert situated around the trans-human condition, in which a fusion between the body and technology is progressing further and further. These songs are progresses of intertwining of the digital and the human. The expression of the performers becomes increasingly artificial and technically stylized while addressing strongly personal, emotional and sexual desires. It’s a transition process, a melting of flesh and motherboard. The artificial and nature are constantly contrasted and interwoven with each other. In this work, artificial intelligence transforms the entirety of love songs into an intimate and objective form.

DATE AND PLACE

5 July 2024, 7 pm, Viitasaari Church, Finland

7 July 2024, 7 pm, Viitasaari Areena, Finland

PROGRAMME

Walter Sallinen: Matrix of Modernity (premiere)

Alexander Schubert: Angel Death Traps for three performers, lights and electronics (2021-2023)

ENSEMBLE NEKO3

Fei Nie keyboards

Kalle Hakosalo percussion

Lorenzo Colombo percussion

More information on the Time of Music website