Dangerous liaisons: New creative directions for the percussionist/composer in the post-COVID age
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Non-Traditional Research Output
Live Performance
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2022
Location of the Work
Richard Gill Auditorium, WA Academy of Performing Arts, Edith Cowan University
Research Statement
Research Background
Q: What new performance practices and possibilities exist for percussion in the post-COVID world?The global pandemic massively disrupted the paradigms of classical music performance. Profound changes are seen in composition, presentation and audience expectation. Drawing on the work of performance artist Chris Kallmyer (LA Philharmonic), and percussion pioneers Timothy Feeney (CalArts) and Kuniko Kato (Japan), White’s research interrogated new forms of percussion composition and presentation, and extended and developed new repertoire for percussion-based musical forms.
Research Contribution
Contribution to knowledge is located in 18 world premieres of new works for percussion ensemble. White’s role encompassed the conception, composition, curation and/or artistic direction of the new works, in a 9-performance concert series. 'Sounds of Life and Love' is a unique music/theatre/text composition for ten performers, exploring themes of memory and isolation through music, poetic texts, choreography, floral arrangement and theatre 'Dangerous Liaisons' interrogated innovative instrumentation and performance presentation in 5 new works'Dream Gardens' examined the potential of ‘found percussion’ instruments. 'Stars' interrogated themes of post-COVID isolation in 7 new percussion-based compositions.
Research Significance
White’s research project culminates in the BOOM! international percussion festival, to be held in Perth in September 2024. His research led to repeat performances of 7 of the new works, a 12-concert new music series in 2023, and to new compositions from composers Jon Parker, Zac Skelton, Steven Hartley and Kira Gunn. The performance videos gained wide exposure through Facebook and Youtube, and a DVD is in production. White has established a unique interdisciplinary language, making a substantial contribution to the nascent repertoire for percussion ensemble.
Publication Title
Sounds of Life and Love, Dangerous Liaisons, Defying Gravity Percussion, Silhouette, Beyond Words, Stars
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
RAS ID
57932
Event Title
Sounds of Life and Love, Dangerous Liaisons, Defying Gravity Percussion, Silhouette, Beyond Words, Stars
Event Dates
August 25, 30; September 1-3; October 31; December 1-4, 2022
Event Venue
Richard Gill Auditorium, WA Academy of Performing Arts, Edith Cowan University
Additional Information
18 world premieres, 37 works, 9 performances, total duration 600 minutes, total live audience 1,250
Comments
White, T. (2022). Dangerous liaisons: New creative directions for the percussionist/composer in the post-COVID age [Research Program].