An open performance of ‘novelty generator,’ an improvisation framework for durational performance. Musicians sit in a circle, each responding to their neighbors according to rules inspired by cellular automata. Simple local choices build into larger patterns across the ensemble. The performance lasts 90 minutes, listeners and performers are welcome to come and go as they please. Bring an instrument to play, or just listen. All proceeds will be donated to the Ballard Food Bank.
John Teske is a Seattle-based composer, improviser, and double bassist. He has written contemporary concert music for soloists, small ensembles, and chamber orchestras, which have been performed across the Americas and Europe. Teske’s compositional approach balances intentional composition with spontaneous expression. He uses algorithmic techniques to generate scores and musical systems that incorporate chance, variation, and improvisation. He experiments with distilling musical concepts to their essence and aims to write music that can be performed by any ensemble of instruments. Teske’s work has been supported by organizations such as the Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, the Jack Straw Foundation, and the City of Seattle.