[gig] Lydia Kavina - Oxford - 1 Oct

Location: Oxford

Venue: Oxford University Faculty of
Music and Bate Collection

Details: BASEES Russian and East European Music Study Group Annual One-Day Conference in association with the Oxford University Faculty of Music and the Bate Collection

RUSSIA'S MUSICAL REVOLUTIONARIES

Denis Arnold Hall, Music Faculty, St. Aldate’s, Oxford, Wednesday 1 October 2008


Programme

9.30-10.00 COFFEE



10.00-11.45 MORNING SESSION
Chair: Katerina Levidou (Christchurch, Oxford)
Margareta Tillberg (Max Planck Institute, Berlin): “Matiushin’s Sonic Colour”
Lidia Ader (St. Petersburg Conservatoire): “Georgy Rimsky-Korsakov and Quarter-Tone Music in 1920s Soviet Russia”
Elena Petrushanskaya (Academy of Sciences Institute of the Arts, Moscow): “Termen, Avraamov and Music for the Masses”

11.45-12.00 COFFEE

12.00-12.45 Lecture-demonstration by theremin virtuoso Lydia Kavina, who will discuss the revolutionary electronic instrument invented by her great-uncle Lev Termen in 1920, and the political biography of its creator.

12.45-2.15 LUNCH



2.15-4.00 AFTERNOON SESSION
Chair: Pauline Fairclough (University of Bristol)
Simo Mikkonen (Stanford University): “Persimfans: The Revolutionary Conductorless Orchestra”
Jeremy Arden (University of Hertfordshire): “Who’s Afraid of Joseph Schillinger?”
Ilya Levinson (University of Chicago):  “’Systematic’ Gershwin: Evidence for the Schillinger System in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess”

4.00-4.30 TEA

4.30-5.30 "Hands On, Hands Off" workshop with Lydia Kavina at the Bate Collection. Participants will be invited to try out for themselves different models of the theremin.

7.30 Theremin recital by Lydia Kavina, accompanied by Philip Bullock (piano), Newman Room, Catholic Chaplaincy, Rose Place, St. Aldate’s (opposite Christchurch Gardens). Tickets (£10) will be available from Tickets at Oxford and on the door.

ATTENDANCE AT THE CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP IS FREE; NO REGISTRATION IS NECESSARY. ALL ARE WELCOME.

Enquiries: Rosamund Bartlett
More info: www.basees.org.uk/sgreem.shtm www.bate.ox.ac.uk www.music.ox.ac.uk

[gig] Alexander Thomas - Coventry - 6th September

Location: Coventry

Venue: Taylor John's House

Details:
Alexander Thomas plays support to the wonderful Hauschka, aka Dusseldorf's Volker Bertelmann.

"[Hauschka's] work is based upon an exploration of the possibilities of the prepared piano - a playfully disruptive intervention into the preconceived idea of the piano as a pure-toned, perfected instrument waiting for a gifted virtuoso to play on it. Instead, Volker explores and influences the outcome of his playing by getting right down inside the instrument - clamping wedges of leather, felt or rubber between the strings; preparing the hammers with aluminium paper or rough films; placing crown corks on the strings, weaving guitar strings around the piano's guts, or pasting them down with gaffa tape. These little modifications throw up an array of rustling, drumming, shivering, scraping, resonating sounds which either provide the focus / drive for a piece or hook the ear into an intriguing, slightly unusual frame."

http://www.ghosttownpresents.co.uk

[gig] Charlie Draper & Katy Moe - Bristol - 16 Aug

Location: Bristol

Venue: Café Delight, 189 Gloucester Road, Bristol BS7 8BG - 0117 944 1133

Time: 8:30pm - 9:30pm

Details: Extreme Theremin Recital

Join Charlie and Katy on a voyage through time and space to explore the diverse, exciting and at times extreme history of electronic music. Spanning four hundred years of musical history, encompassing events from the Fall of Atlantis to the Russian Revolution, the mysterious tale of the world's first purely electronic instrument, played entirely in midair, is guaranteed to enrapture and enthrall.

Tickets (£4/£3) are available on the door from 8 o'clock.

Confirm details with venue.

[workshop] Miss Hypnotique - Nottingham - 2 Aug

Location: Nottingham

Venue: The Art Organisation, 21 Station Street, NG2 3AJ

Details: As part of the Art Organisation's summer workshop series, Miss Hypnotique (Susi O'Neill) is hosting a workshop for people of all ages to learn to play the theremin, the world's first electronic musical instrument from 1920s Russia, which is played without touch. In the workshop you will:

- Get a chance to play a professional theremin
- Learn the technique to play and compose on the theremin
- Hear a theremin performance and learn about its history
- Join in the 'Theremin Idol' competition (for children)

There are three sessions (2nd August):

Primary children (7-11): 10 - 11.30am
Secondary chldren (12-16): 11.30 - 1.15pm
Adults: 1.30 - 3.30pm

Costs:
Children: £6
Adults: £10
Adults concessions (students, pensioners, benefits): £8

Booking: To attend you MUST pre-book a place, please email your name, tel number and the workshop you or your child wishes to attend: Susi O'Neill: susioneill{at}gmail.com, Tel: 07981 222799

To find out more about theremin workshops see here.

[cd] The Lunacy Board - Difficult Second

The Lunacy Board's second album is released on the 14th of July 2008.

It was written, recorded, mixed and published within the space of 24 hours, with the whole event being webcast live.

The album can be streamed directly or downloaded from the box on the right. Full details are available here, including a link to pre-order a copy now and be amongst the first to hear it.

This album is the second of three albums being released by The Lunacy Board on three consecutive days.

As well as the Board's regular theremin player Mick Bordet, the album features two guest thereminists - Gordon Charlton of Beat Frequency and Wilco Botermans on a number of tracks

.

[cd] The Lunacy Board - Eponymous Debut

The Lunacy Board's first album will be released on the 13th of July 2008.

It features theremin on a number of tracks, including Spellbound playlist regulars "The Unofficial National Anthem" and "Xenochronous Requiem For A Head Laying In A Field In Butler", as well as a collaboration with thereminist Ninki V (though she doesn't play theremin on the track) and others.

Full details are available here, including a link to pre-order a copy now and be amongst the first to hear it.

This album is the first of three albums being released by The Lunacy Board on three consecutive days, including a live webcast of the recording of their second album.

[gig] Alexander Thomas - Sonic Boom Festival - 7th June

Location: Coventry

Venue: Taylor John's House

Details:
BJ Cole
Black Carrot
Strap The Button
Aaron Poole
Alexander Thomas
Ian Upton
Alianasian

http://www.ghosttownpresents.co.uk

[gig] Pamelia Kurstin - Bath Festival - 30 May

Location: Bath

Venue: Bath Festival

Details:
TBA

Booking opens 17th March.

Check details with venue.

[cd] Memories Of The Future by The Radio Science Orchestra

The Radio Science Orchestra's first album, Memories Of The Future, featuring the theremin playing of Lydia Kavina and Bruce Woolley is available now on iTunes. It includes tributes to Barry Gray (Theme From The Mysterons, Aqua Marina) and Ron Grainer (The Dr Who Theme), as well as original music by the RSO.

Tracks: Peace Song to Other Worlds, The Architect, Beachcombing Man, Dr Who, Winter of My Heart, The Professor, Theme from the Mysterons, Mediterranea, Aqua Marina, Most of You, Atom Age Girl, Theme from the Electronic City, For Lydia, The Brightest Star.

[gig ] Hypnotique - Futuresonic 2008 - 3 May

The Importance of Being Analogue

Venue:Futuresonic 2008 EVNT

Location: MMU Students’ Union, 99 Oxford Road, Manchester

Details: Saturday 3rd of May 2-4 pm - Free Admission

Featuring a theremin trio comprising Hypnotique, Nachtsmeer and C.Cat.

Check details with venue.

[gig] Alexander Thomas - London - 30th April

Location: London

Venue: Gluerooms @ The Amersham Arms, New Cross, SE14 6TY

Details:
Alexander Thomas
Bromancer
Cnidoblasts
DJ Tendraw & The Gypsie's Dog
Jambilon
Queen Of Swords
Rabbit
DJ Body Damage & Possibly Sick

Check details with venue.

[gig] Radio Science Orchestra - Bath - 25 April [update]

The Radio Science Orchestra performs . . .

“Memories Of The Future”

UPDATE: Now featuring thereminist Charlie Draper (pictured).

With special guest Ken Hollings

Venue: ICIA Arts Theatre

Date: Fri 25th April 2008

Time: 7.30 pm

Tickets: £9 - Concs £7 - BUSU - £5

Address: University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY

Website: www.bath.ac.uk/icia/bulletin

RSO: www.myspace.com/brucewoolley

Radio Science Orchestra - Bath - 25 April

The Radio Science Orchestra performs . . .

“Memories Of The Future”

With special guest Ken Hollings

Venue: ICIA Arts Theatre

Date: Fri 25th April 2008

Time: 7.30 pm

Tickets: £9 - Concs £7 - BUSU - £5

Address: University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY

Website: www.bath.ac.uk/icia/bulletin

RSO: www.myspace.com/brucewoolley

[gig] Barbez - London - 24 Apr

Location: London

Venue: The Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Square, London N16 8JH

Details:
TBC

Check details with venue.

[gig] Alexander Thomas - Bristol - 24th of April

Location: Bristol

Venue: The Junction, Stoke's Croft

Details: Unity Gain presents a night of Electronic pop music with:

No Such Error
Dayward
Alexander Thomas

8:00pm doors, £3.00 entry

Check details with promoter.

[gig] Alexander Thomas - Bath - 18th of April

Location: Bath

Venue: Invention Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, BA1 1QR

Details:
With The Cassandra Complex and 25men.

Check details with venue.

[gig] Alexander Thomas - Bristol - 11th of April

Location: Bristol

Venue: The Lansdown Hotel, Clifton Road BS8 1AF

Details:
tbc

Check details with venue.

[gig] Alexander Thomas - Bristol - 22nd of March

Location: Bristol

Venue: The Cube Cinema, Princess Row BS2 8JB

Details:
Zuleika Ziegfield's Cabaret of Curiosities:
Alexander Thomas on guest Theremin for Pelouse en Fromage.
More details tbc.

Check details with venue.

[gig] Theremin Quartet - Shrewsbury - 20 March

The Sonic Weekend 3 Post Party


Will take place on Thursday the 20th Of March, in

The Vaults
16 Castle Gates
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY1 2AB

The Albert
14 Smithfield Road
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY1 1PB

From the hour of eight in the evening onwards.

You are most cordially invited to the party, and for your listening pleasure a selection of sonic divertimentos will be presented to you by The Warriors Of The Third Sonic Weekend.

Amongst the aural confectionary will be a quartet of thereminists, comprising Marc of Large Number, Electromungo, Phil of The Mirlitrons and myself, Beat Frequency.

Entrance is free.


The Sonic Weekend is a gathering of 20 electronica musicians hosted by White Label Music, and a time of concentrated musical creativity. The album created during Sonic Weekend 1 is available now on iTunes. The album created during Sonic Weekend 2, along with the EP Sonic Weekender 3 The Kitchen Cuts will be available shortly.

[gig] Alexander Thomas - Brighton - 8 Mar

Location: Brighton

Venue: The West Hill Hall, Compton Avenue, Brighton, BN1 3PS

Details:
8pm

The West Hill Hall Presents: Alexander Thomas, Da'at The Veil and Same Actor.

Check details with venue.

[gig] Alexander Thomas - Oxford - 5 Mar

Location: Oxford

Venue: The Port Mahon

Details:
8pm - Tickets £4

Permanent Vacation Presents: Alexander Thomas, Da'at The Veil, Gravepaintings and Euhedral.

Check details with venue.

[gig] Alexander Thomas - London - 29 Feb

Location: London

Venue: Spatchcock @ Unit 21 - 21 Overbury Road, London N15 6RH

Details: 7pm, Admission £2.00

More info here.

Check details with venue.

[gig] Lydia Kavina - London - 24 Feb

Location: London

Venue: Kurzon Mayfair Cinema

Details: As part of the celebration of 100 years of Russian Cinema, the films The Cameraman’s Revenge and Aelita will be presented with live accompaniment by Lydia Kavina on theremin, and Sergei Letov and Alexei Borisov on saxophone and clarinet.

More details here.

Address: 38 Curzon St London W1J 7TY (directions here)

The showing starts at 12:00, admission is £6.50 plus £1.00 online booking fee here.

Both films are PG.

Check details with venue.

[radio] Bruce Woolley - BBC Radio 2 - 19 Feb

Channel: BBC Radio Two

Details:
5:25pm
Bruce Woolley of the Radio Science Orchestra appeared this week on Chris Evans' Drivetime radio show which has been featuring 'Endangered Instruments'.

The broadcast can be heard for a week by going here. The section about the theremin starts after about 20 minutes into the show.

[gig] Alexander Thomas - Bristol - 30 Nov

Location: Bristol

Venue: The Cube Cinema

Details:
8pm - Tickets £5 in advance)

Goodiepal + Lawrence English with Alexander Thomas

Links:
Qu Junktions

Check details with venue.

[gig] Pamelia Kurstin - London - 30 Oct

Venue: The Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Street, London N16 8JH

Time: 8:30pm

Details: World renowned thereminist and improviser from Vienna returns to the Vortex promoting her album on John Zorn's "Tzadik" label, "Thinking Out Loud". Expect a feast of exotic, other-worldly sounds and beautifully poised improvisations. Featuring special guests Seb Rochford (drums), Ingrid Laubrock (saxes) and Liam (Noble piano).

Contact: Vortex Jazz Club
Book online - £8.80

[gig] The Lunacy Board - Glasgow - 25 Oct

Location: Glasgow

Venue: The Classic Grand, 18 Jamaica St, Glasgow, G1 4QD

Details:
Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are £6.

Eclectic progressive theremin rockers The Lunacy Board kick off a night of progressive and prog-pop music in support of US prog band Glass. Also appearing are local acts Oswald and Twisted Melons.

Links:
The Lunacy Board
Glass
Oswald
The Twisted Melons
The Classic Grand

[gig] Alexander Thomas - Oxford - 18 Oct

Location: Oxford

Venue: "Woah!", Port Mahon

Details:

Alexander Thomas headlines show with Stray Ghost, Shaggy Parasols and Euhedral.

Check details with venue.

[workshop] Barbara Buchholz - Mallorca - 11 Oct

Location: Andratx, Mallorca

Venue: PING!4 Festival

Details:
THEREMIN-WORKSHOP WITH BARBARA BUCHHOLZ
A student of the master classes of Lydia Kavina - a great-niece of the Theremin’s originator Lev Thermen – Barbara Buchholz has retrieved the instrument from oblivion and is finding new uses and applications for it in contemporary music. Known internationally for her mastery of the theremin, she is in demand as a performer and teacher. At the PING! 4 Festival (Oct 11-14) in Mallorca this autumn, she will offer the followiing workshops:

Workshop A
“First steps with the theremin”. For musicians without any experience of the Theremin. To play the theremin is like singing with your “inner voice“. Anyone who loves singing already has the prerequisites. No need to own a theremin - there will be an instrument available for the workshop.

Workshop B
“First have music in your soul.” (quote by Clara Rockmore)
A seminar for Theremin musicians who already have basic knowledge; ear training, technics for the left and the right hand, phrasing, articulation, in the style of Lydia Kavina and Clara Rockmore.

Workshop C
“Study your Theremin” Studies for Musicians with a sound knowledge of the theremin. Please let us know what piece of music you would like to study.

The PING! Festival of experimental and electronic arts and music
takes place in Andratx, Majorca, every October.

For more information and to register for Barbara's workshop at PING!4,
Write to: info@sataronja.com. You can find information about PING3 on http://www.ping-mallorca.com/. The PING!4 Program will be available in September. For students wishing to attend the workshops we can offer advice on accommodation, transport, etc,

[gig] Alexander Thomas - Bristol - 22 Sep

Location: Bristol

Venue: QuWack (E) @ Spike Island Gallery, 133 Cumberland Road, Bristol, Southwest BS1 6UX

Details:
Showcase of various experimentalists, also involving Janek Schaefer, Infinite Livesz, Tim Exile, Man From Uranus, Bela Emerson, TwoCsinaK and My Ambulance Is On Fire.

8pm start.

Check details with venue.

[press] Hands Off 2007 feature - The Word - October Issue

This month's The Word magazine (available from today) features a full page article about the Hands Off 2007 theremin symposium. Included in the article is the following photograph of all the symposiasts - click on the photo to access Gordon's collection of several sizes.

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Tags: theremin, symposium, hands off, the word, magazine, symposiasts

[gig] Alexander Thomas - Bristol - 26 Aug

Location: Bristol

Venue: Cube Cinema

Details:
Bank Holiday Sunday Alldayer featuring Jeremy Smoking Jacket, Alexander Thomas (Theremin), Lacuna, Babygravy and most likely more.

3pm start or thereabouts.

Check details with venue.

Hands Off 2007 - Aftermath

'Hands Off 2007' has passed and was a resounding success. Thanks from Theremin UK to everybody who attended and helped to make it a truly memorable weekend.

The event itself may be over, but it is still generating interest, so here is a quick rundown of information:-

Reports

There is an ongoing report thread at Theremin World as well as a thread for pictures.

You'll also find a daily diary over at the Theremin Major blog.

Photographs

Chris Conway's collection here.

Captain Ant's collection here.

Jon Bernhardt's comprehensive set here.

Nachtsmeer's set here.

Stuart's set here.

Miss Hypnotique's set here.

Coralie Ehinger's pictures here

Alexander Mairhofer's artistic photos here.

Video and Audio

There were days of video and audio material recorded of the event, which will be worked through given time. What will happen will depend on the quality of the material, but some of it will certainly be available in some form. More announcements on this will follow in due course.

If you have any photos or reports you'd like to share - please add a link at Theremin World or comment below this post.

Hands Off 2007 - the Ultimate Theremin Concert

Location: Purcell School of Music,
Aldenham Road
Bushey
Herts, WD23 2TS

Date: Sunday 29th of July 2007

Time: 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Featuring:
Lydia Kavina
Barbara Buchholz
Carolina Eyck
Charlie Draper
Jon Bernhardt
Chris Conway
Spacedog UK with Clara 2.0
The Beatrix Ward-Fernandez Trio
and the debut performance of The UK League of Thereminists

Cost: £5 per head, and £4 for concessionaries (under 16, over 60 or receiving income based benefit.)

Sorry, no further places available.

Hands Off 2007 Update

Featured speakers and performers at Hands Off 2007 now also include Barbara Buchholz (video here), Carolina Eyck (video here), Charlie Draper (video here) and Jon Bernhardt (video here) of The Lothars, currently appearing in the Whitecastle ads (video here).


The total cost of Hands Off 2007, including meals and accomodation, is £150. Pay half now and half by June 30th. Book soon - the number of places is strictly limited. There is a £10 supplement for a single bedroom if required.

The option to pay a deposit only has now been withdrawn, and final payment is due from those who have previously paid a deposit. If, and only if, you are visiting this page to make final payment, please select the third option on the Google Checkout button, "Final Payment after Deposit".

Any questions regarding the symposium should be directed to gordonc at theremin.org.uk

Update: We are not accepting any more bookings for the Symposium. Sorry if you missed the deadline.

Hands Off 2007

Theremin UK is proud to announce Hands Off 2007, the UK Theremin Symposium, 27th to 30th July 2007.

Friday Evening: Arrive at the Purcell School of Music in Bushey (just off the M1), settle in, eat and enjoy a pleasant evening meeting your fellow attendees.

Saturday Morning: Theremins and Effects: learn how theremins work, what effects work well with them. Try them out for yourself. Including talks by UK theremin makers Jake Rothman and Tony Bassett.

Saturday Afternoon: Classical Theremin. Attend a master class with the world's greatest classical thereminist, Lydia Kavina. (See her on youTube)

Saturday Evening: Jam sessions, theremin circles, your chance to play, socialise and network.

Sunday Morning: Avant Garde Theremin, with Wilco Botermans. Prepare for an ensemble performance as part of the afternoon concert.

Sunday Afternoon: Theremin Concert. A selection of solo and small group performances from some of the best players from the UK and beyond, followed by a structured improvisiation involving as many theremins as we can manage! All before a small audience.

Sunday Evening: Survivor's Party.

Monday Morning: A hearty breakfast and farewells.


The total cost of Hands Off 2007, including meals and accomodation, is £150. Book soon - the number of places is strictly limited. There is a £10 supplement for a single bedroom if required.


Update: We are not accepting any more bookings for the Symposium. Sorry if you missed the deadline.

[gig] Alexander Thomas - Bristol - 12 Jul

Location: Bristol

Venue: Café Delight, Gloucester Road

Details:
8.00pm
£3.00 on the door
A night of electroacoustic music, sweet ambient sounds and hypnotic noises, featuring...
Bela Emerson, Same Actor and Alexander Thomas.

Links:
Alexander Thomas

[gig] Alexander Thomas - Bristol - 29 Jun

Location: Bristol

Venue: The Cooler, Park Street

Details:
8.00pm - 3.00pm
"Espionage Miniatures" - a series of short sets by various soloists
DEEJ (THOUGHT FORMS) / JOE GARCIA / ALEXANDER THOMAS (Theremin) / TEAM BRICK / ROSE KEMP / JUSTIN GREAVES (CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX / IRON MONKEY / ELECTRIC WIZARD) / CHARLIE (THOUGHT FORMS) / WITHERED MAN / JOE VOLK / 7STU7 (on the decks).....+ MORE T.B.C

Links:
Espionage
Alexander Thomas

[radio] Alexander Thomas - BCfm - 5 April

Station: Bristol Community Radio - BCfm - 93.2(fm)

Details:
10.00pm
Live session
Internet streaming available at http://bcfm.org.uk/

[gig] Dorit Chrysler - London - 19 Jan

Location: London

Venue: The Spitz
Details: 4 Women No Cry
7:00pm
109 Commercial St. Old Spitalfields Market, E1 6BG

Tickets £10. Buy advance tickets here. (£1 booking fee.)

From the Spitz website...

An international celebration of female produced electronica from New York, Barcelona, Berlin and London. Tying in with the UK release of Vol 2 of the 4 Women No Cry compilation on the German maverick electonica label monika enterprise, The Spitz show features live performances from Dorit Chrysler (NYC), Iris (Barcelona), Mico (London) and DJ sets from compilation curator Gudrun Gut and compere Nick Luscombe.

Austrian born, New York based Dorit Chrysler has despite having a masters degree in music chosen to become a theremin virtuoso. She is the founder of the NY theremin society and the European theremin association, creating community platforms for thereminists. Dorit has shared stages with artists diverse as Dinosaur Jr., Blonde Redhead, Marilyn Manson, Mercury Rev, Oingo Boingo, Rodelius and Echo and the Bunnymen. She has also collaborated and recorded with artists & producers such as Elliot Sharp, Matt Johnson (The The), Larry 7, Gordon Raphael (The Strokes), Foetus, Martin Bisi & Gibby Haynes (Butthole Surfers).

[cd] Kevin Sinnott - Theremins of the World