Commissioned Works: From Vision to Sound
Since our start in 2003 our approach to contemporary music and “sonic adventure” has attracted not only a loyal public following but also the active participation of some of today’s leading composers. We’ve been lucky enough to stage projects with Heiner Goebbels, David Lang, Tom Johnson, Julia Wolfe, Michael Hersch and Peter Adriaansz, a.o. Your support helps us to continue making these programs, to commission new works and keep taking audiences with us on exciting sonic journeys.
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COMMISSIONED WORKS
We are proud to present two truly unique commissioned works, made possible by the generous support of Sven and Gerliene Schlijper-Karssenberg.
Their contribution has allowed us to work with visionary composers Karen Willems and Éliane Radigue & Carol Robinson, resulting in the creation of two groundbreaking pieces: Without Papers & Occam Delta XXIII. These works stand out not only for their innovative sound but they also gave us the opportunity to collaborate with these extraordinary artists.
Without Papers – Karen Willems
Belgian drummer and percussionist Karen Willems is renowned for her experimental approach to rhythm and sound. Her career spans various genres, from rock and pop to avant-garde compositions, and she is known for her relentless pursuit of innovation and expression. Beyond her role as a drummer, Willems is a composer and performer who embraces a wide array of instruments and sounds. Her work often reflects a deep connection to nature and a fascination with the interplay between man, machine, and the natural world. Willems’ performances are known for their spontaneity and emotional depth, engaging audiences in a dialogue that transcends traditional musical boundaries.
In Without Papers, Willems explores themes of identity and belonging, crafting a composition that is both introspective and expansive. The piece features a dynamic interplay between drums, percussion, and electronic elements, creating a rich tapestry of sound that invites listeners to reflect on the complexities of personal and collective identity. We performed this work for the first time, during our “Musical Utopias #7” festival in January 2025.
“I try to create a unique universe. Sometimes dark, sometimes soothing, sometimes humorous." - Karen Willems
OCCAM HEXA V – Éliane Radigue & Carol Robinson
Éliane Radigue, a pioneering French composer born in 1932, has made profound and far-reaching contributions to contemporary music. Starting her career in the 1950s, she initially worked with the ARP 2500 modular synthesizer and tape, creating compositions known for their subtle harmonic shifts and meditative qualities. Radigue’s transition to composing for acoustic instruments has been met with critical acclaim, showcasing her adaptability and enduring relevance in the contemporary music scene.
Carol Robinson, a distinguished clarinetist and composer, has been a key collaborator with Radigue, and their partnership has led to groundbreaking works in the OCCAM series. Robinson’s expertise spans both classical and contemporary repertoires, and her involvement in the OCCAM series has been instrumental in bringing a unique voice to these compositions.
Their collaboration continues with OCCAM HEXA V, a work that exemplifies their innovative partnership. This composition blends acoustic instruments with electronic processing to create a profound auditory experience. The world premiere of OCCAM HEXA V, took place at London’s Wigmore Hall in January 2025, marking a significant milestone in our history and further cementing Radigue and Robinson’s legacy as trailblazers in contemporary music.
A call for support
The realization of these commissioned works was made possible through the generous support of Sven and Gerliene. Their commitment to fostering contemporary music has provided us with the opportunity to collaborate with visionary artists, resulting in performances that challenge and inspire.
We had the opportunity to speak with Sven and Gerliene about how this whole project came to be. They shared their initial inspiration for supporting the creation of new commissioned works and why they chose us to bring them to life:
We invite others who share our passion for innovative music to consider supporting future projects. Donations enable us to continue commissioning new works, fostering innovation, and enriching the cultural landscape. Your support ensures that we can continue to collaborate with artists who are shaping the future of music.
We remain committed to our mission to discover new and unexpected worlds by pushing boundaries and engaging in collaborations that enrich the musical experience.