METAXIS (2023)

METAXIS is an orchestral music installation for deconstructed orchestra to be presented in an open space where the audience can walk around the space in order to experience the piece from various perspectives. The piece is not intended to be performed in a concert hall or in a concert setting and is not intended to be recorded for audio release.

The music is in a unified score, written as other orchestral music would be, and is conducted throughout. The setting of the piece, placement of instruments, the open space, free movement of the audience and the overall layout of the piece is what makes it a music installation.

During the performance it is important that the performers are able to connect with each other and sound together as one in the open space in the spread-out setup. All performers need to be able to see the conductor — there is also an option to have one or more shadow conductors that echo the movements of the main conductor in order for all performers to clearly see a conductor throughout the performance.

The piece can be set up and performed in various different open spaces — it is asked that elements pertaining to the performance of the piece, the layout, distribution of performers and the overall setup of the piece be decided in collaboration with the composer in order to collectively determine suitability of a potential venue, and to work on figuring out specific positions and layout of the performers in the open space.

The video excerpts below were taken from the world premiere of METAXIS with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Eva Ollikainen and Ross Jamie Collins at the Reykjavik Arts Festival in June 2024 at Harpa Concert Hall. The video was taken with one camera and the audio is captured through the camera mic only, therefore only capturing the sound relative to the camera position at any given moment.