The Edge Ensemble performs THE GAMES WE PLAY, five freshly commissioned works inspired by human play. Each of the five composers explores the theme in a deeply personal manner. Brendan Faegre’s new work centers around the financial games played by Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein, using vocoded samples of his testimony following the 2008 financial crisis. Ethan Braun’s piece asks the ensemble to navigate mathematical permutations of five improvisatory modes of playing. Christopher Fox explores short character-pieces around four game concepts: ‘The Widening Gyre’, ‘Reel’, ‘Spindrift’, and ‘Wheel of Fortune’. Harry Stafylakis combines his roots as a metal guitarist with game-instructions for the musicians. And in Genevieve Murphy’s work she joins the ensemble playing her bagpipes, forcing each musician to mold and blend with her motherland’s instrument. This program showcases the infinitely diverse and oftentimes dark nature of play.
Love the Cheat (hate the spoilsport) – Brendan Faegre (US/NL)
Revolutionary Movements – Christopher Fox (UK)
Degrees of Silence – Ethan Braun (US)
Together We Grow – Harry Stafylakis (CA/US)
Violent Push of an Unpredictable Strategy – Genevieve Murphy (UK/NL)