ICE shows a new and exciting side of Dai Fujikura at Miller Theatre

By Kurt Gottschalk, 07 March 2020

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“there's an impishness about Fujikura that carries through in his music”

Reviewed at Columbia University, Miller Theatre, New York City on 5 March 2020

Fujikura, Minina

Fujikura, Gliding Wings (world premiere)

Fujikura, Silence seeking solace

Fujikura, Secret Forest

Fujikura, Abandoned time

Alice Teyssier, Soprano

Daniel Lippel, Guitar

International Contemporary Ensemble

Daniela Candillari, Conductor

Wordless stories take root in ICE‘s Hannah Kendall portrait concert

Kurt Gottschalk, 23rd April

The International Contemporary Ensemble performs a program of Hannah Kendall at Columbia University’s Miller Theatre.

****1

Julia Bullock in Meditations for Joséphine at Adelaide Festival

Sandra Bowdler, 3rd March

A challenging depiction of Joséphine Baker brilliantly performed by Julia Bullock under the direction of Peter Sellars at the Adelaide Festival.

****1

ICE plays Jennie C Jones at the Metropolitan Museum

Kurt Gottschalk, 5th October

The Met Museum is currently home to three large sculptures by multidisciplinary artist Jennie C Jones, whose graphic scores are performed by the International Contemporary Ensemble.

****1

Jörg Widmann's somber humor at Carnegie Hall

Kurt Gottschalk, 28th January

In fragments and miniatures, the ensemble pieces were most satisfying, allowing Widmann not to build arguments but define subjects by contrast, showing a quick wit and a flair for suspense.

*****

Kopernikus revival finds inspiration – and cliché – in the afterlife

Kurt Gottschalk, 15th May

Composer Claude Vivier approaches the unknowable with a text delivered by a septet of vocalists in a language of his own invention. But the new production adds overly literal video, trading abstraction for the obvious.

***11

Steve Reich world premiere in New York

Stephen Pritchard, 6th April

London's new Centre for Music has much to learn from the Big Apple's mistakes.

****1

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Kurt Gottschalk

Kurt Gottschalk is a journalist and author based in New York City. His writings on contemporary and classical music, jazz and improvisation have been published in outlets throughout Europe and America and he has two volumes of short fiction to his name. He produced and hosted the Miniature Minotaurs radio programme on WFMU and currently hosts Afternoon New Music on WKCR.