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An improvisatory impulse is at the root of this work which involves the performers embracing and engaging with a process, a language, a degree of risk and the ability to fly. The success of Firestarters hinges precariously on just this, and for me that is an essential and exciting element. Within the parameters of each Firestarter, is a provision for improvisation and interpretation. Detailed instructions, including a somewhat prescriptive methodology and a set of invocations, chart the territory for a series of dialogues, much like a set of rites might pave the way for unpredictable arisings. There is an obvious analogy here with mapping uncharted terrain. Equipment, maps and road code are provided. The performers embark, interpreting directions according to their lights and taking the audience with them. Firestarters might also be understood as channels or invocations towards dialogues with another dimension – with those guiding lights who have kindled fires in zones of darkness and human ignorance.

• Dadson: Firestarters - zones of darkness and unexpected light; facsimile 

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• Phil Dadson: Firestarters - zones of darkness and unexpected light 

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• Phil Dadson: Firestarters - zones of darkness and unexpected light 

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This is the “permanent exhibit” from the work in progress called ‘given what we gather takes place’. The model for the whole work is that of a museum in which some exhibits are on permanent display, and others are brought up from the storeroom. In other words, some sections of music are always to be played, while others are chosen by the performers from a pool of material to present a unique exhibition for each performance. The percussionist’s instrumental collection is similarly assembled; some categories of instruments are specified while others are chosen by the percussionist with the added stipulation that some aspect of the instruments chosen must be unique to the location of the performance. The music of this particular “exhibit” alludes to, but does not use, folk-like material and is conceived as a playful sparring match between two friendly opponents. ‘given what we gather takes place’ was commissioned by Resonate Duo, to whom it is dedicated, with funding from Creative New Zealand.

• Gardner: Given what we gather takes place; computer set 

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• Gardner: Given what we gather takes place; computer-set 

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• Given What We Gather Takes Place 

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In my work as a composer I have found bringing together classical and jazz musicians to be a rich and unique way of working. I have experience in both fields and my compositional talent and interest lies genuinely across the two art forms.

This piece has been specifically composed for these performers and their unique sets of skills. Each performer is of a very high calibre and each possesses something special and unique in their playing and approach to music making. Mike Kime and Reuben Derrick often have moments of freedom as they are both accomplished improvisers. Gretchen Dunsmore and Mark Le Roche are classically trained performers with excellent skills and intelligent ears and minds. I knew that each of them would bring something to the work that would be unique and exciting.

More recently my creative interest in movement and form has expanded to contemporary dance and I wanted to involve and include another artistic discipline in this work. Collaborating with Julia Milsom has been an exciting new venture for me. The nature of the sounds within the piece are highly applicable to contemporary dance and have been interpreted and expressed with considerable talent and skill by Julia.

Layers of sound in time is a theme I have developed extensively in the piece. The layers interact, evolve, contrast, compliment, and conflict with each other to create a depth of space and time between them.

The work is an exploration of the timelessness that comes in moments of deep introspection through evocative sounds and movement.

Alex van den Broek

• van den Broek: Still Standing Silent; computer-set 

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• van den Broek: Still Standing Silent; computer-set 

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• Alex van den Broek: Still Standing Silent; video 

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• Alex van den Broek: Still Standing Silent  Year: 2009 

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