This is my Instrument: An Approach towards Performance Practice for Integrated Concerts

Abstract

The Belgium-based Nadar Ensemble is a new music ensemble that specializes in performing curated and integrated concerts. In this case ‘integrated’ infers that all aspects of the concert are taken into consideration. Questioning, developing, and instrumentalizing video, light and sound design (including live electronics), costuming, decor, and even personnel such as a conductor and other roles typically inherent to an ensembles’ tradition, have become an integral part of Nadar’s and other similar ensembles’ concert programming. In this paper I will specifically lay out the manners in which the musicians of Nadar Ensemble approach what they have grown to see as their broadened instruments, including the use of live electronics, game controllers and newly made instruments. I will also discuss ideas surrounding the so-called ‘attacca concert’ and post-instrumental practice by delving into two cases, the event Dead Serious (2014) and the concert program Extensions (2015).