The London-based Vocal Constructivists made their Dublin debut in the Ideopreneurial Entrephonics II Sound Art and Electronic Music Festival in the historic Freemasons’ Hall on 23-24 April, 2016, as part of an exploration of synthesized, natural, and modified voicings. A feature in the local events magazine Totally Dublin helped spread the word and ensured a full house!

The Vocal Constructivists joined with other Dublin-based singers for a massed choirs performance of Ron Kuivila‘s City of no Allusions. The Vocal Constructivists premiered a smaller version of this piece in 2012 and included it on their 2014 album Walking Still. The transcendental quality of this work was put in a broader context in their Dublin show  alongside a number of medieval works, including the 9th century Musica enchiriadis. This early organum was given a 21st century twist in an alternatim performance with organist and composer Lauren Redhead providing inspired improvisations on the Grand Lodge organ. Other featured composers included (in chronological order) György Ligeti, Toshi Ichiyangi, Jean Ritchie, Pauline Oliveros, Meredith Monk, Charles Céleste Hutchins, Ben Zucker, and Matthew Stein.

Constructivists George Chambers and Rebecca Hardwick also gave an a cappella performance of In The Sky by Karlheinz Stockhausen. Listen to George and others discussing the festival on the Culture File broadcast:

Culture File – Ideopreneurial Entrephonics

For the full schedule, download the programme, or visit the event’s website.